Monday, December 23, 2024

The Way of the Shepherd by Danny Davis

About the Book

Book: The Way of The Shepherd. From Anxiety to Assurance: Embracing the Timeless Wisdom of Psalm 23

Author: Danny Davis

Genre: Christian Living

Release date: September 24, 2024

Through Psalm 23’s timeless wisdom, we uncover the path to unshakable peace in a chaotic world.

In the grip of anxiety, when hope seems distant, the Shepherd’s Psalm reveals a life-changing journey that leads us from fear into a serene landscape of trust and tranquility, where our lives are filled with peace that surpasses understanding.

Key benefits of reading The Way of The Shepherd:

Explore the transformative power of Psalm 23 and how to apply its wisdom to your life
Identify and overcome the roadblocks that have been hindering your peace
Learn practical, Scripture-based strategies to surrender to the leading of the Good Shepherd
Find refuge from fear, worry, and anxiety through inspiring real-life stories of those who have found peace

Don’t let fear and anxiety dictate your life. Unlock the power of Psalm 23 and reclaim your peace today.

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

About the Author

Dr. Danny Davis is an author and global Christian missionary who has devoted his life to empowering individuals and communities. Drawing from over thirty years of ministry experience, he equips leaders and plants churches in East Africa alongside his wife, Sherry. Through his powerful and insightful writing, Davis encourages and motivates readers to strengthen their faith and live purposeful lives.

More from Danny

From Chaos to Calm: A Shepherd’s Journey Through Modern Storms

It was a Tuesday morning when my world seemed to collapse. The incessant buzz of notifications, the weight of impending deadlines, and the echoes of global crises all merged into a deafening symphony of anxiety. As a pastor and global missionary, I was expected to be a pillar of peace for others. Yet, I found myself engulfed in a sea of overwhelm, struggling to breathe.

Sound familiar?

This scene plays out in countless lives daily in our hyper-connected, always-on world. We’re all searching for an anchor in the storm, a moment of respite from the relentless pace of modern life. It was in my moment of desperation that I rediscovered an ancient wellspring of peace: Psalm 23.

”The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures…”

These words, penned by David, shepherd-turned-king, thousands of years ago began to work their way into the cracks of my fractured spirit. As I meditated on this psalm day after day, I realized it wasn’t just a poetic artifact—it was a roadmap for navigating the complexities of our 21st-century existence.

This personal transformation became the seed for ”The Way of The Shepherd.” In writing this book, I set out on a quest to unpack how this timeless wisdom speaks directly to our most pressing contemporary challenges:

Finding Peace in a World of Conflict:

Conflict seems unavoidable, from my experience of stress anxiety to the global tensions that flood our newsfeeds. But through the lens of the Good Shepherd, I discovered a peace that transcends circumstances—a calm place in the eye of the storm.

Discovering Purpose in an Age of Distraction:

How do we discern our true calling with a thousand voices vying for our attention? The shepherd’s guidance offers a clarity I never thought possible, helping me navigate the noise and stay true to my life’s purpose.

Achieving Wholeness in a Culture of Fragmentation:

Juggling roles as a pastor, writer, global missionary, and family member often left me feeling scattered. The shepherd’s path led me to a deep sense of wholeness, where every aspect of life finds its proper place.

Embracing Rest in a 24/7 World:

Proper rest can seem like an unattainable luxury in a society that never sleeps. Yet, as I learned to “lie down in green pastures,” I found a rejuvenation beyond mere physical relaxation.

Seeking Guidance in Uncertain Times:

When the future seems more unpredictable than ever, where do we turn? The shepherd’s staff became my compass, offering direction when the path ahead was unclear.

The Way of The Shepherd offers practical solutions to finding peace through personal stories, actionable advice, and deep scriptural contemplation.

As we journey through The Way of The Shepherd together, you’ll discover:

How to cultivate a strong inner peace, regardless of external chaos
Practical steps to align your life with God’s purpose, even when the world pulls you in a thousand directions
Ways to foster genuine reconciliation in your relationships, healing the divisions that plague our society
Techniques to find proper rest and recharge, even in your busiest seasons

Whether you’re feeling lost in life’s shadows or simply seeking richer pastures, this journey offers more than temporary relief—it provides a proven path to lasting peace and purpose.

Are you ready to exchange anxiety for assurance, chaos for calm, and confusion for clarity?

Let’s rediscover The Shepherd’s path to peace together. After all, who wouldn’t benefit from some peace in a world that often feels like a raging storm?

Welcome to the journey. The still waters await.

Danny Davis, Ed.D.

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, December 18

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 19 (Author Interview)

Godly Book Reviews, December 20

Guild Master, December 21 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 22

She Lives To Read, December 23

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

Back Porch Reads, December 25 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 27 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 28

Fiction Book Lover, December 29 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, December 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 31

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Danny is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Card and a paperback 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/00adcf54122

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Mabel and the Unholy Night by Susan Kimmel Wright

About the Book

Book: Mabel and the Unholy Night (Mysteries of Medicine Spring Book Four)

Author: Susan Kimmel Wright

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release date: November 5, 2024

Faithful dog Barnacle has run off into a snowstorm, disrupting Mabel’s fun outing at the Christmas tree farm. Things don’t improve much when he reappears…with a human skull.

Since Mabel moved into her late grandma’s house, the sleepy village of Medicine Spring has provided clean air, a close-knit community, and charming small-town shops. To her surprise, it’s also offered up several murders—and romance with a handsome private investigator. Now, Barnacle’s discovery plunges Mabel into the mystery surrounding a decades-old unsolved murder and the disappearance of her friend Nita’s great uncle.

Before Mabel, boyfriend John, and her friends can find answers and bring justice for Nita and her family, more complications develop. Incredibly, a sixty-year-old Christmas card arrives, bearing Mabel’s name and address and containing a plea for help. Are the mysteries related?

While Mabel tries to get to the bottom of these strange events, a second suspicious death casts suspicion on Nita. Can Mabel find the real killer in time? Or will her Christmas season end on an unholy night?

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. Are any of your characters based off of yourself or those close to you?

While none of my characters are closely based on myself or people I know, I see many of my own qualities emerging in my main character Mabel. I certainly share some of Mabel’s insecurities, including her fear of singing in public. I’m also a former lawyer and live in an old Victorian farmhouse, where I wrestle with clutter…sadly, unlike Mabel, I can’t blame my mess on my late grandmother!

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

My writing process is always a combination of careful planning and spontaneity. I have never succeeded in writing a book without ending up going off script. My characters always have their own ideas—at least so far, they’ve never steered me wrong!

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

I’ve always wanted to be an early bird, but unfortunately, I’m also a lifelong night owl. Those two preferences do not work together at all! Usually, my best writing times tend to be mid-afternoon through evening, after a slow start in the morning. I gather steam as I go.

4. Why did you pick this genre for your book?

I write cozy mysteries because they’ve always been my favorite genre as a reader. My mother and sister always shared my preference, and while my mother was living, the three of us often traded books among us.

5. How many books do you personally own?

I wish I knew how many books I own—I do know it’s a lot! I have five wall-sized bookcases, as well as three smaller ones. I have books in boxes, books in bags, books heaped on tables, desks, and on top of other furniture. Somehow, even though I’ve started donating some of my bounty to library book sales, my total amount of books never seems to decrease. If someone can explain this to me, I’d be grateful!

About the Author

Susan Kimmel Wright began her life of mystery in childhood, with reading. That led to writing kids’ mysteries and eventually to Medicine Spring with Mabel. A longtime member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, Susan’s also a prolific writer of personal experience stories, many for Chicken Soup for the Soul. She shares an 1875 farmhouse in southwestern PA with her husband, several dogs and cats, and an allegedly excessive stockpile of coffee and tea mugs.

More from Susan

Does Christmas make you nostalgic? In Mabel & the Unholy Night, fifty-year-old Mabel is observing her first Christmas in her late grandma’s house. As she sets out each fragile, vintage ornament, she feels that same familiar lump in her throat.

What we treasure may have to do with when we grew up. I love mid-century glass tree ornaments from Woolworth’s, ceramic elves stamped “Made in Japan,” and Gurley candles shaped like carolers, some still bearing 29¢ stickers on the base.

Ever since childhood, I’ve loved the tiny cardboard village under our tree. Houses and churches sparkled with glitter in their landscape of cotton-batting snow and bushes of dried moss. A sheet of glass atop light-blue construction paper made a perfect pond for tiny skaters. As someone once pointed out, accuracy of scale is of no concern in the cardboard village. Reindeer may loom over the houses like the mutant product of scientific experimentation gone wrong in a “B” horror movie.

Cardboard villages, properly called “putz houses,” originated with Moravian immigrants. Once handmade, houses were later imported from Germany and Japan. While nowadays we’re more likely to buy a ceramic village we can light up, I’ll take the primitive charm of a putz village any day.

Maybe best of all, we can build our own putz villages to suit ourselves. A new tradition for child and parent or grandparent might be building a new house each year, to add to the tiny community. While kits are available, you can also find plans online, such as this free resource: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/make-traditional-glitter-houses-2365171

Perhaps our yearning for the things of the past is rooted in a longing for a more carefree time, when beloved faces, now gone, were still around us as we enjoyed the season together. When our slower-paced celebration centered on Christ’s birth, and family closeness. Building a putz house or church with loved ones might let us recapture just a bit of that old-fashioned Christmas spirit.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 21

A Reader’s Brain, December 22 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 23

Fiction Book Lover, December 24 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, December 25 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 26

Texas Book-aholic, December 27

Back Porch Reads, December 28 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 29

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 30 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 31

Lily’s Corner, January 1

Vicky Sluiter, January 2 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/00adcf54124

Saturday, December 14, 2024

A Dog Named Speed by Larry Fitzgerald

About the Book

Book: A Dog Named Speed

Author: Larry Fitzgerald

Genre: Fiction

Release date: December 4, 2023

Join Speed, the most adventurous pup ever, in “A Dog Named Speed” by Larry Fitzgerald! Speed had a rocky start in life, living in a cave beneath the Blue Mountains of Oregon, battling freezing winters, sneaky coyotes, and even a junkyard keeper with a trigger-happy finger. But Speed’s luck takes a turn when he’s rescued from a watery disaster and adopted by Babe, a young newspaper boy.

As Speed and Babe grow up together, they embark on thrilling adventures in the wilds of Oregon, discovering secret fishing spots and having daring encounters. Speed becomes Babe’s trusty sidekick, and together, they form an unbreakable team.

But it’s not just about Speed and Babe; this story is packed with excitement and surprises! Speed meets Kate, a lively Australian shepherd, and their connection adds even more adventure to the mix. Plus, there’s a deeper message about faith and friendship that will make you think.

If you’re ready for action, friendship, and a heartwarming tale, “A Dog Named Speed” is the book for you. Get ready to cheer for Speed and Babe as they navigate life’s ups and downs and discover the true meaning of loyalty and love. This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and warm your heart at the same time!

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

● What was the most challenging part of writing your book?

This was my first book. My biggest challenge was learning and recovering from my mistakes with Microsoft Word. Unfortunately, it still is. Writing comes easily, but I practically had to use the whole Geek Squad to bail me out of trouble many times before I finished the book.

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

I was undoubtedly reminiscing as I wrote the story. The book is about my life with “A Dog Named Speed,” the book's title. Speed was a stray collie I adopted as a boy growing up in the mountains of Eastern Oregon.

● How do you weave Biblical truths into your writing?

There was a natural avenue for this in my book. Speed was a faithful companion whose love for me was unconditional. The greatest truth I learned from Speed was how to treat my Master. Speed tells the story from his POV as he waits in heaven for his master to come home to him. From this vantage point, I could easily bring the Biblenumerous times into Speed’s story.

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

It was spontaneous. I remember seeing him from a distance for the first time as he followed me on my paper route, never daring to come close to me initially. Then, eventually, we did everything together, including sleeping in the top bunk in my bedroom. I needed no outline or plan. I just had to pull it out and put it on paper.

● Why did you pick this genre for your book?

My favorite genre is YA. I was a youth soccer coach for several years. I remember how I was influenced by the coaches for whom I played when I was in school. I think our young adults today need a lot of direction. Wholesome stories and positive coaching can be invaluable resources young people can draw from today. I just finished my new book about two soccer players and their coach. I don’t have a name for it yet.

About the Author

Larry Fitzgerald, a retired businessman turned youth soccer coach, infuses his writing, managing, and coaching with an unwavering commitment to Christ’s Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Concerned for today’s youth growing up without spiritual guidance, Larry took to writing. Larry’s impactful short fiction is showcased in anthologies like “Stories from the Attic” (2022) and “Fortunes” (2023) by AA Inc. Publishing. His stories transcend pages, offering beacons of spiritual enlightenment for a generation navigating a world where God’s presence is often obscured.

More from Larry

Writing the story about Speed and the newspaper boy should have been a slam dunk. All I had to do was remember the years between my ninth and eighteenth birthdays—not all of it, of course, just the time my dog Speed and I spent together, which was, basically, all of it. Getting the story into my computer was easy. The hard part was getting it out of my computer and into the format(s) required for publishing and marketing. That was and continues to be a challenging learning experience. Someday, I may write a book about that.

The great thing about my book, A Dog Named Speed, is that it’s a true story except for the parts where Speed is not with me, alone, or with other animals. Those were imagined but very plausible. The story is told from the dog’s point of view, from heaven, as he awaits his master to join him.

Speed was a stray dog who started following me as I delivered newspapers in a small town in Eastern Oregon. He would not come near me despite my enthusiastic efforts to win his favor. He was afraid of all humans, which I assume came from having been mistreated as a young dog. Our coming together happened only when Speed was desperate and had no choice but to reach out to me.

After that, Speed and I were rarely apart. We shared many exciting times centered on fishing adventures, camping trips, and ball games. Speed and I slept together every night. He followed me to school each day and waited faithfully for me to get home so he could join in whatever was in store for the evening.

The most important thing I observed about Speed was how he treated his master. I knew Speed loved me unconditionally. As the story affirms, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to come to my aid. As this became clear, I began to think about how I treat my Master, Jesus Christ. Was I faithful? Was my every thought about Him? Were my first thoughts when I woke up every morning about Jesus? I am certain Speed’s were of me.

My book was written for young people, but it has found a broader audience as well. Any reader who has ever owned a dog can relate to this story. I am blessed to have owned A Dog Named Speed.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 13

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 14

A Reader’s Brain, December 15 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 15

She Lives To Read, December 16

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 18

Back Porch Reads, December 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, December 19

Texas Book-aholic, December 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 22

Little Homeschool on the Prairie , December 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 24 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, December 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 26

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Larry is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card!!

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/00adcf54117

Friday, December 13, 2024

Falling for a Humbug Cowboy by Karen Baney

About the Book

Book: Falling for a Humbug Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 5)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

Book: Falling for a Humbug Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 5)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

She’s the happiest person he’s ever met. His world has turned upside and he’s in no mood for Christmas. Will these coworkers find middle ground as they head into the holidays?

Reeling from a shocking family secret, Drake Vargas heads into the holiday season grumpier than he’s ever been. He can’t seem to get his footing and his new barista is way too much sunshine for him.

Candi Kaine loves Christmas! Nothing can stop her sunny disposition. As she starts a new job at Vargas Ranch, she’s determined to fix the grumpy, hipster cowboy who just happens to be her boss. Nothing will deter her from making sure he experiences a very Merry Christmas.

Will Drake find his joy again or has Candi Kaine finally met her match?

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

What was the most challenging part of writing your book?
As if writing a Christmas themed novel set in the Arizona desert wasn’t hard enough, I wrote it during some of the hottest Arizona months of the year. To help me get in the mood, I listened to Christmas music and sat in my front living room with two fans on! I also turned on my electric fireplace without the heat setting. Come to think of it, I’ve never used the heat setting on that thing. Anyway, all that helped me get in the mood to write a Christmas story.

What was the most enjoyable part of writing your book?
I really enjoyed sharing some of the uniquely Arizona aspects in this book—like a weekend tripto Flagstaff in December where the characters get snowed in. That’s happened to me twice.And it’s the only way I see snow at all these days. ��

How do you weave Biblical truths into your writing?
Weaving the spiritual arc for a character feels natural to me. As the character grows personally, and believes, then it makes sense their Christian walk would be challenged too. One thing that inspires me, especially when writing a character who first comes to a saving faith, is listening to testimonies from real people. Each story is different, but God draws each person to Himself. I look for motivators and catalysts and then incorporate those into my writing.

How many books do you personally own?
That’s hard to answer. I still have about 50 to 75 paperback books on my bookshelf at home—mostly non-fiction, spiritual growth, writing reference material, or research material. On my eReader and phone, I have roughly 1000 books and audiobooks. Those are mostly fiction.
Have I read them all? No. Do I still buy more books anyway? YES!

What is your next big goal as an author?
This year, one of my goals was to write a Christmas themed, sunshine-grumpy trope. That’s Falling for a Humbug Cowboy. My next big goal is the next book in this series, a surprise single dad story with a big twist. Throw in some dual secret crushed and a teenager… Loving it! I’ve also wanted to write a true second chance romance for a divorced couple. I’m (slowly) working on a manuscript to kick off another contemporary western series that I hope to submit
to a traditional publisher.

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, 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

Inspiring My Christmas Mood by Karen Baney

In Falling for a Humbug Cowboy, I had a lot of fun incorporating classic holiday songs (and the occasional Christmas story) into scenes to add flavor and sometimes intensify the character’s feelings.

It was purely accidental at first. I love classic Christmas songs and during the holiday season my hubby and I listen to a lot of Holiday Traditions on Sirius XM.

So, when I described a scene where Candi helps Drake decorate the dining hall, I just wrote that she switched the overhead music to a Christmas station and belted out Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. The next thing I know, I’m three song mentions in. So, I decided to make deliberate use of songs.

When I was struggling to get in the mood to write a Christmas novel in the dead of summer (108+ in July in Arizona!), I loaded up my phone with several playlists. One of the first songs was Feliz Navidad and I knew I had to find a way to use it. It would be the perfect song to show off Candi’s fun personality and draw Drake out of his humbug mood.

I hope you enjoy this Christmas playlist from the novel with a few sneak peaks of how I used the songs:

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer – Candi belts out the tune while working.
White Christmas by Bing Crosby – Candi “crooned along with Bing Crosby, making a nice duet”.
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole – causes Drake to picture holding Candi close, swaying to the music.
Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives – playing while Drake helps Candi with a rush of customers.
Feliz Navidad – Candi dances around Drake until she gets him to dance and sing along.
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Dean Martin – Candi notices the not-so-humbug cowboy walking away, ratcheting up her interest.
Christmas in Your Eyes by Travis Shaw – playing during a special moment between Drake and Candi.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas by Michael Bublé – Candi’s lunch with a friend.
Mele Kalikimaka – Driving to Flagstaff together to play in the snow.
All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey – sets the stage for Drake’s proposal on July 25^th (Christmas in July).