Monday, October 30, 2023

Promise Me Christmas by Marguerite Martin Gray

About the Book

Book: Promise Me Christmas

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Christmas

Release Date: October 17, 2023

Would Amy ever see him as anything other than a former Loyalist who destroyed her home?

One more building, one more road, one more disaster reconstructed.

But George Elliot remains trapped in the past, reliving his role in the destruction of Charles Town. Through the support of his family and two Patriot generals, he is allowed to pursue a life among them but struggles to find purpose. Forgiveness lurks but has not quite settled his unsteady heart.

Amy Engle strives to help the men who are alive but hurting through her work at the hospital. Some men fail to grasp God’s forgiveness and struggle to heal mentally from the brutality of war…George Elliot being one of them. These men need a place to heal, and Amy proposes to open a mission to do just that with George at the helm. Amy’s prayer is that this will give George purpose and confidence.

What she didn’t count on was her heart’s commitment to the man.

With the devastation of war that left nothing unscathed, the people of Charles Town could use a dose of Christmas miracles. If there are any that remain after the devastation of war.

Can they determine in their hearts to find comfort in love, promises, and forgiveness?

Click here to get your copy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions given are my own.

Author Interview

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

I am fascinated with history and what men and women had to do to secure peace and a valuable way of life. Our American history is full of characters and situations that involved faith, sacrifice, forgiveness, and determination. In this novel, the main characters face a way of life after the American Revolution.Freedom was gained with a price—lives lost, lives changed, battle scars and wounds to incorporate in their new lives, financial ruin. Hope and forgiveness played a major role in moving forward.

Which character in your book do you relate to the most?

Elizabeth Elliott Lestarjette holds my heartstrings. I’ve seen her grow from an eighteen-year-old youth to a mature woman with children and a family. She endured things that she never thought possible in a world that changed and developed daily. In my lifetime, I’ve seen changes and stepped into a new worldunaware of what was expected of me. I’ve had to carve out my space and reinvent myself many times. Huzzah for women willing to step out and accomplish things for the good of mankind, even out of their own comfort zones.

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

Well, since I love history, I’d want to know about the day-to-day life in a “war” infested area. Charles Town went through battles, a siege, and an occupation. How did the families exist? How did they get food? What did they do with their children? One question I would ask is about relationships. Why would someone marry and have children during a war taking place at the backdoor? Life is hard enough in a peaceful environment. But a war? I’d ask them where they got their strength. Many were believers in our all-powerful God. That answers many concerns. The characters (and I) try to follow God’s directions.

What did your research process look like for this book?

Promise Me Christmas leans on the research of the first five novels in the series, Revolutionary Faith. That research included about 45 books and months of research, some in Charleston, SC. For this extension, I researched the first years after the war, a time of reconstruction and new government. Every area of life had to be reinvented. A clean slate with new rules.

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

The American Revolution was the setting for the Revolutionary Faith Series. I chose that time after I did research for my family tree. These characters come from the pages of the first books. I tie up some loose ends and create new adventures and scenarios for the next phase of the new nation.

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, Bring Me Near, Draw Me to Your Side, and Wait for Me– Revolutionary Faith Series Books 1-5, Labor of Love and Promise of Purity, Gardens in Time Series Books 1 and 2, and Room for Love, Suamalie Islands Year One. Besides researching her novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and t

wo grandsons keep her up to date and young.

More from Marguerite

I have desired to revisit my beloved characters and charming Charles Town. The Lestarjette family and their potential adventures sprout to life in my imagination if not on paper. Marriages, jobs, children, new nation?

In Promise Me Christmas I get a glimpse into the colorful lives of familiar heroes and heroines, villains and enemies, major and minor roles as after war scenarios surface. As minor, supporting characters make their presence known, I realize in life there are no minor roles. Each human being has a purpose and a God-given mission.

Think about all the people who stand in the peripheries of your life. They are as important in the scheme of life as your close family and friends. In this novella, I hope to emphasize God’s promises and hopes through people who are flawed, hurting, healing, and making efforts to exist and prosper in a town devasted by war, death, and poverty.

We might not have gone through a war, siege, and occupation by enemy forces, but we can grasp the hopes and promises of Christmas through the lenses of sickness, death, broken relationships, financial woes, and natural disasters.

I hope you enjoy this Christmas novella from my heart of hope and promises to yours.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 25

Texas Book-aholic, October 26

Betti Mace, October 27

Bliss, Books & Jewels, October 28 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 28

Connie’s History Classroom, October 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 30

A Reader’s Brain, October 31 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 1

She Lives To Read, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 3

By The Book, November 4 (Author Interview)

Splashes of Joy, November 4

lakesidelivingsite, November 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 6

For the Love of Literature, November 7 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Margeurite 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2896e/promise-me-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Audiobook: The Two Cent Piece by Dennis Conrad

About the Book

Book: The Two-Cent Piece Audiobook

Author: Dennis Conrad

Genre: Christian 1800s Historical Fiction

Release date: August 2, 2023

Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she gives them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’

Out of a heart of love, Anne gives six of her special coins away hoping the message on the two-cent pieces will strengthen each person’s faith.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

I found The Two-Cent Piece to be a charming, educational, and faith based book for preschool age up to lower elementary age. The book was simple enough to keep kids' attention to finish the story in one setting, but along the way learn about the civil war, different coins of the past, and most importantly how to care for others like Jesus does. I found the illustrations to be very colorful and something a child would enjoy looking at to understand the story better. I think this book would spur many important conversations with a child about faith in Christ and how we can love one another. I also think some children may find a very worthwhile hobby in coin collecting that they didn't know about before. I could recommend this book for any child preschool age through about third grade.

Audiobook portion: The narrator had a pleasant, inviting voice and used different voices for different characters that were appropriate. I liked how it chimes when it is time to turn the page so children can follow along easily.

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

About the Author

A former coin collector for over fifty years, Denniscombines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.

He retired as a professor of Speech Communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.

He became a life member of the Numismatic Association of Southern California in 1973. He is also a life member of the American Numismatic Association.

Dennis is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.

Learn more about coin collecting. Dennis offers free resources for children on his website about coin collecting: https://dennisconradauthor.com/coincollecting4/

More from Dennis

Collecting Coins Can Change Your Life! It Did Mine…

As a child, my friends and I wanted to know everything about coins.

We learned about coins through stories: Who was on each coin? What were coins made of? How were coins made? Wherewere they made? Why were some more valuable than others? and How could I start collecting on my limited budget?

Coin collecting is a hobby where collectors never stop learning! For example, when I started to watch coin prices, without realizing it, I was learning basic economics.

Over the years, I kept adding to my collection. Decades passed. I attended coin conventions, read books and articles about coins, and remembered where I had found and/or acquired each coin.

One day, my wife looked at me. “Will you ever sell your coins?”

“No.”

That is when I heard God’s still small voice.

God pointed out to me that my coins had become more important than Him. Without my realizing it, my coins had become an idol.

At that time, at the top of the market, I sold my collection without regrets, and used the money to pay off my home mortgage.

Now, God has given me the privilege of writing stories about coins, and encouraging others to embrace a hobby that has given me a lifetime of joy.

Blessings to you and yours,

Dennis Conrad

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, October 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 17

Lights in a Dark World, October 18

Mary Hake, October 18

Texas Book-aholic, October 19

A Reader’s Brain, October 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 22

Labor Not in Vain, October 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 25

Lots of Helpers, October 25

Cover Lover Book Review, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 27

Girls in White Dresses, October 28

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, October 29

Giveaway

To celebrate his tout, Dennis is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon Gift Card and a hardcover 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

https://promosimple.com/ps/28b28/the-two-cent-piece-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, October 13, 2023

The Air I Breathe Karen Baney

About the Book

Book: The Air I Breathe

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 15, 2023

Single mom, starting over Christian Contemporary Romance.

One moment of weakness changed everything.

When life throws Kelly Sutton a curve ball, she packs up everything she owns to move to Arizona to be closer to her daughter’s dad. Starting over in a new town stresses Kelly and triggers panic attacks—something she thought she was over. When a panic attack comes on and the only person she knows in town can’t help her, his roommate comes to her rescue. Will Kelly find her footing again in this new town?

Matt Dixon has too much on his plate. He works as a financial analyst during the day while he goes to seminary at night. He also juggles an internship with his church to fulfill his dream of becoming a youth pastor. When he comes to the aid of his roommate’s ex, he never expects his life to go off the rails. Will he choose love for a woman over his dream?

Click here to get your copy!

I received a complimentary copy of the book,

And all opinions given are my own.

Author Interview

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

Kelly’s life as a pastor’s daughter came from my personal heartache after our pastor (from a previous church) fell from grace. Life as the family of the pastor isn’t easy. Everyone has an opinion about you and how you should act or live. So, when the pastor’s family is in crisis, how the people in the church act can leave lasting scars or welcomed healing. I tried to show many different angles of this from the good, the bad, and the ugly in this novel.

Regardless of how others act, we have a choice how we respond to their actions, just like Kelly and Matt did. Forgiveness is always a good idea.

-Which character in your book do you relate to the most?

The overcommitted Matt. I tend to take on too much, then freak out when I’m overwhelmed. Like Matt, I completed my degrees at night while working full time and volunteering. I remember how stressful that was. When Matt tries to fit a new relationship into the mix—well, that’s how I met my hubby. I was working full time while carrying a full-time credit load at night. Insane? Yes.

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

I would love Matt and Kelly to be part of my home group. We would talk about life, work, spiritual growth.

- What did your research process look like for this book?

The Air I Breathe intertwines a lot of my own experiences with the dynamics of a mega church, home groups, the settings, and more. The most research I did for this book was for Kelly’s career as an event planner. Even though I am not a single mom, much of the inspiration comes from a few close friends of mine who are.

- What made you choose the setting for this book?

The setting is Chandler, Arizona, specifically near the mall area. It’s where my hubby and I moved when we first got married. We had wanted to buy a house there, but prices were cheaper further out (Gilbert). I still have fond memories of that part of the Phoenix metro area.

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

Regardless of our mistakes and sins, God forgives us—even when we repeat the same ones over and over again. His love is steadfast, and His Spirit gives us life and strength to face any challenge in life, even the ones of our own making.

About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona in the late 1990s, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

More from Karen

Inspiration Behind the Novel

The female main character in The Air I Breathe, Kelly Sutton, suffers from panic attacks. The inspiration behind this came from a real-life encounter. Around twelve years ago, my coworker and I took a break to walk around the office building we worked in. We saw a young woman leave the building. To our shock, we watched as she kneeled on the concrete sidewalk and bent over.

Concerned about her well-being, we rushed over to her and asked if she was alright. She said she was having a panic attack. I’ll never forget the sound of her wheezing.

I asked what we could do to help her and if we should call 911. She begged us not to call, so I knelt beside her, rubbed her back, and silently prayed over her. After ten minutes or so, she recovered enough to go back inside the office building. She told us that when people call 911, it embarrassed her. She knew how to cope with the panic attacks, but others didn’t understand and overreacted, making things worse for her. She thanked us for stopping and for listening to her.

Though we never crossed paths again, that encounter stuck with me. When I sat down to write Kelly’s story about starting over in a new city, I knew two things:

I wanted to represent this experience through her character.
I wanted to tie her experience with the idea that God is the air we breathe (like the popular worship song’s lyrics).

Many times, real-life provides inspiration for my characters or their trials and that was certainly true for many of the topics, besides the panic attacks, included in this novel.

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, October 2

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 3 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6

Texas Book-aholic, October 7

For the Love of Literature, October 8 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, October 8

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 10

Back Porch Reads, October 11 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 12

For Him and My Family, October 13

A Reader’s Brain, October 14 (Author Interview)

Splashes of Joy, October 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card with signed paperback copy of The Air I Breathe!!

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/2842e/the-air-i-breathe-celebration-tour-giveaway

Ragabones by Daniel Tweddell

About the Book

Book: Ragabones

Author: Daniel Tweddell

Genre: Fantasy YA

Release Date: June 27, 2023

As if Josh having his memory stolen by an over-protective mother wasn’t enough, his older brother, Pete, wins every trophy and never lets him forget it. And oh yeah, Mom’s an ex-god of the underworld, so it’s no surprise their family has enemies.

Maybe that’s why Dad’s missing. Maybe that’s why ragged scars crisscross Josh’s throat. It’s definitely why Josh accidentally sprung the trap – the one that opened a portal and released the demon who now hunts them.

Turns out there’s another world; one with castles and dragons, and prisons that dangle into hell. That’s the world where Josh and Pete find Dad turned to stone, the world with entire cities enslaved by the demon. As the brothers race to undo Josh’s colossal mistake, Josh’s mysterious past comes to light, and Josh must choose between the fate of the world and the lives of his family.

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 grew up in the Bornean and Philippine jungle as a missionary’s kid. My neighbors had monkeys for pets. Just behind the tree line, “ex”-headhunters slipped through the shadows with spears and six-foot blow guns. It was the perfect incubator for a kid’s imagination. As an adult, I did a lot of things from writing high-octane video games with my friends to having my own companies. But I always loved castles, wizards, and monsters the best. After one too many years dreaming about writing a book, I took the leap. Now I write white-knuckle stories about magic woven with truths from my life's journey.

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

• Not giving up when I got stuck. Being stuck feels like it will infect every piece of writing from here forward and I’ll be stuck forever. I had a chapter that just would not write. I labored on it for weeks and when it was done, I hated it. So I scrapped it and wrote it again. And hated it again. I began to wonder if I could write it. Could I even write a book at all? Year’s earlier I’d promised myself if I had to edit 1000 times, I would. So I tackled it for a third time, struggling with every word. The whole time, I knew I’d hate it. And when it was done, I loved it. Several of my readers said it made them cry. They posted quotes from it on their cubicle walls at work. I learned that remarkable writing doesn’t need inspiration, only tenacity … and a lot of prayer.

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

• The author that inspires me most is C.S. Lewis. I’ve never read a writer like him that can tell a gripping story full of deep profound truths without being preachy or slow.

4. Which character in your book do you relate to the most?

• I think it would be Mom. We only get a glimpse of her in this book, but her heartbreaking backstory spans centuries and empires, as do the scars from her time as god of the underworld, binding her on the brink of insanity. There are hurts so deep, the human heart can never completely recover. Like having a stroke or losing a limb, we heal, but will never be the same. At the same time, the good things in life become richer and more flavorful and love is more intense. The people I know and read about, who have suffered deeply wouldn’t trade what they’ve gained for what they lost.

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

• One of the characters is real and his conversations withthe protagonist are as close to real as I could make them. I’ll leave it up to you to figure out who.

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

• I hiked through caverns, chest deep in cold midnight-black rivers to see the bones of some ancient king murdered a mile beneath the South American Jungle. I walked among the lichen covered gargoyles and angels in the gothic district of Barcelona, Spain. I rode a camel from the Arabian desert through hidden siqs (narrow ravines) that led into the ruins of ancient Al-Batra, a city carved from cliffs. And I also spent hours on Google.

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

• Like most of my fantasy loving friends, I have a thing for swords, castles, and thundering hooves. Can it really be epic fantasy without them?

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

• Hemmingway said, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”Writing truth is terrifying because it’s raw and my deepest pain is exposed for everyone to see. But I love it for the same reason; it’s cathartic and exposing my secrets frees me from being a slave to them. It’s strange how many people write to tell me how my stumbling helped them with their walk. Stories are the most fascinating paradox, exciting, teaching, healing, truth all within something completely made-up.

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

• Hmm. I’m terrible at that. Now that you mention it, I’m going out to dinner with my wife.

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

• Coffee, and when my wife is being evil and baking,brownies.

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

• I had a reader tell me they “totally felt the hand of God [and heard his] whispers in the writing.” I had others say how much the book encouraged them. Although I've dreamt of writing this story for decades, I had to be destroyed before I could honestly portray Josh's (the protagonist’s) journey. The truths about facing fear, about God making everything OK even when there is no way it can ever be, about suicide, and depression, as well as hope, and finding your destiny, they're all written from my journey through the depths of an utterly shattered heart to a life so good it feels like a fantasy novel. Whatever my readers might be going through, I hope the story encourages as well as entertains them. Maybe they’ll even meet Magic for themselves.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Daniel Tweddell. I grew up in the Bornean and Philippine jungle as a missionary’s kid. My neighbors had monkeys for pets. Just behind the tree line, “ex”-headhunters slipped through the shadows with spears and six-foot blow guns. It was the perfect incubator for a kid’s imagination. As an adult, I did a lot of things from writing high-octane video games with my friends to having my own companies. But I always loved castles, wizards, and monsters the best. So now I write white-knuckle stories about magic woven with truths from my life’s journey. I live in San Diego with my wife and 3 kids.

More from Daniel

I had a visual of a soapbox derby with the cars lined up from worst to best. The worst was made of cardboard with garbage can lids for wheels. The best was polished mahogany, with chrome wheels and velvet seat covers. Can you see the kids’ faces? One brushes old coffee grounds off his hood. He can’t face the crowd. Another polishes a gleaming fender and waves to his fans. I realized the difference between these cars isn’t the kids … it’s the time they spent with Dad.

I’m fraught with blind spots, bad habits, and shortcomings. I also barely have enough time, energy, or insight to manage my own life. How do I have enough for the lives around me who are so hungry for something more? I realized I live in a 5-loaf/5000-mouth world. I’ll never be enough, but I don’t need to be. Instead, I asked God to make this life and this book a father/son project.

Although I’ve dreamt of writing this story for decades, I had to be destroyed before I could honestly portray this hero’s journey. The truths about facing fear, about God making everything OK even when there is no way it can ever be, as well as courage, hope, and finding your destiny, they’re all written from my journey through the depths of an utterly shattered heart to a life so good it feels like a fantasy novel. Whatever you might be going through, I hope the story encourages as well as entertains you. If you haven’t already, you might even meet Magic for yourself.