Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Treasured Keepsakes by Rachel Skatvold

Book: Treasured Keepsakes

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: March 26, 2024

It doesn’t always end with a happily ever after.

Feeling unappreciated by her husband and burnt out at her job, Leah Kamuela needs to clear her head. Traveling to Laumua Island, she stays with her cousin, Sabrina, for a fresh start and to finally heal old wounds she’s covered up for years.

Jayson Kamuela has spent his life climbing the corporate ladder and his upcoming promotion will give him the life of his dreams, but at what cost? His wife has left him. He’s hit rock bottom. Maybe it’s time for him to change.

When Jayson is forced to go on sabbatical, he goes to search for his wife. Leah, however, after seeing Sabrina’s business success, believes she could also have a successful business on the Suamalie Islands.

With Leah needing to start on a new path and Jayson finally seeing the errors in his ways, how will the two of them work it out to finally have a happily ever after?

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 LOVE Christian Contemporary Romance books and Rachel Skatvold is one of my favorite authors for this genre. Treasured Keepsakes is Book 11 in the Suamalie Islands series which is written by 9 different authors. I have read many books in this series and I am always excited when a new book comes out.

I truly LOVED the storyline of this book from the very beginning. Leah and Jayson Kamula are struggling in their marriage. Leah decides to go visit her cousin in Laumua Island. Sometimes a refreshing start is what is needed to be appreciate by others, especially an unloving husband. Jayson realizes that he has been putting his job before his marriage after Leah has left. He quickly realizes he wants to find his wife and hopes it isn't too late. Leah and Jayson are reunited at Laumua Island. Leah has discovered she LOVES how her cousin has succeeded in creating a business and being happy in life on Laumua Island and wants to continue living on the Island. I LOVE that Leah and Jayson realized that distance makes the heart grow fonder. The book is one of LOVE, FORGIVENESS, HEALING, FAITH and so much more. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance books! WONDERFUL BOOK!

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing Christian romance and devotionals. She has published over a dozen novels, including books in the Hart Ranch and Whispers in Wyoming Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons.

More from Rachel

Have you ever lost something you treasured?

A few years ago, I had an unexpected surgery and had to take off my wedding rings before the procedure. Everything went fine, but after I came home, my fingers were swollen, so I could not put my rings back on right away. I put them away for safe keeping, but several weeks later, when I started feeling better, I went looking for my rings and couldn’t find them. I panicked at first. Could I have forgotten them in the hospital and just thought I brought them home? All kinds of scenarios ran though my head.

Have you ever done this? Put something treasured away for “safe keeping” and then forgotten where the safe place was? I have to admit, I do this a lot.

To make a long story short, after some searching, I finally found my rings in a jewelry box in the bottom of my sock drawer. I was so relieved. While my rings are a material possession, the meaning behind them is what was most troubling when I thought they were lost. They symbolize the special relationship my husband and our promise to each other. My engagement ring is also a family heirloom from my husband’s side of the family, so it really was a treasured keepsake for me.

In my new book, Treasured Keepsakes, Jayson Kamuela doesn’t realize what he’s lost until it’s almost too late. He has been too busy climbing the corporate ladder to reach his dream job to realize his marriage has slipped through the cracks.

Leah still loves her husband, but through the years, they have become more like strangers. When she comes to her breaking point and realizes Jayson has no intention of changing, she feels trapped. Leah escapes to the only refuge she can think of— her cousin’s home on Suamalie. Will this couple be able to recover the treasure of their marriage before it is lost forever?

Texas Book-aholic, April 20
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 22
Back Porch Reads, April 23 (Author Interview)
Sylvan Musings, April 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 25
Simple Harvest Reads, April 26 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For Him and My Family, April 27
Holly’s Book Corner, April 28
An Author’s Take, April 29
The Lofty Pages, April 30
Karen Baney Reviews, April 30
She Lives to Read, May 1
Stories By Gina, May 2 (Author Interview)
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 3

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize 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/2afaa/treasured-keepsakes-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Blizzard at Blue Ridge Inn by Pat Nichols

Book: Blizzard at Blue Ridge Inn

Author: Pat Nichols

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Release Date: January 21, 2024

Three strangers stranded in a North Georgia inn confront lies from their pasts and experience the healing power of friendship.

Amanda Sullivan is desperately trying to save her crumbling second marriage. Will celebrating her ninth anniversary with her husband in Blue Ridge breathe new life into their troubled relationship?

Erica Parker suspects her husband is unfaithful. She vows to learn if her distrust is real or imagined.

Wendy Peterson can hardly wait for the birth of her baby with her wealthy husband, until a shopping spree in the quaint tourist town shatters everything.

When a once-in-a-century snowstorm blankets the country and delays their husbands’ arrivals, the perfectionist, the peacemaker, and the socializer find themselves alone at the historic Blue Ridge Inn. During two days of isolation, they overcome the differences in their ages and lifestyles to discover they have a lot in common. As the temperature rises and the snow begins to melt, a stranger delivers shocking news. Their stay at the inn is no accident.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Women's Fiction books and I enjoy books by Pat Nichols. Blizzard at Blue Ridge Inn by Pat Nichols is Book 1 in the Blue Ridge Series.

I was blown away by the storyline of this book! I have always wanted to be "stranded in a snowstorm" with strangers, so having this book have that storyline was what drew me to this book. The main characters in the book are Amanda Sullivan, Erica Parker and Wendy Patterson. The woman are meeting their husbands at Blue Ridge Inn and then a snowstorm hits the area and the woman are stranded together without their husbands. I LOVE how the book focuses on the age, personality and lifestyle differences between the women. The snowstorm has the women "bonding" and learning about one another. The women were anticipating the arrival of their husbands, they were shocked to get a visit from someone else and the news were shatter all 3 women. The book is filled with Twists and Turns, a couple that were definitely a shock to readers. The storyline flowed wonderfully and I am excited to read more books in this series. The book is one of friendships, LOVE, knowing God's plan is greater then our own plan, and strength and perseverance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys CLEAN Women's Fiction. GREAT BOOK!

Award-winning author, Pat Nichols is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Nine years after retiring from a twenty-seven-year corporate career with an international beauty company, her love for writing resurfaced and prompted her to launch career number two as a novelist. Now she draws on her experience to write stories with tension-laced challenges and heart-warming triumphs. The Secret of Willow Inn is a 2020 Selah Award winner. Starstruck in Willow Falls is a NGCWC Georgia Peach Award winner. Her short story The Vet and Valentine Day also won a NGCWC Georgia Peach Award.

Pat is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers International. She has been featured on WATC Television Atlanta Alive, in Southern Writer’s Magazine, and in Voyager Magazine

More from Pat

Nestled in Chattahoochee National Forest, Southern Living Magazine named Blue Ridge, Georgia as one of 2022 South’s Best Mountain Towns. The first time my husband and I visited the town, we were impressed with the galleries, shops, Scenic Railway, and the friendly vibe. Although I was writing a series set near Savannah, the idea of Blue Ridge staring in a new series took root. When I finished writing the last book in the Butler Family series the idea had blossomed.

Another trip to the iconic town. This time to identify a setting for book one about Amanda, Erica, and Wendy, strangers who find themselves stranded in a cozy inn during a blizzard. We found the Blue Ridge Inn Bed and Breakfast. Perfect! I pressed the front-door buzzer. When I explained my mission to the woman who responded, she took my number and promised the owner would contact us. An hour later John Lavin met us on the front porch. He graciously gave us a tour and shared the 1890 Victorian home’s history.

Writing a fictional story set in a historic inn steps from the train depot and downtown Blue Ridge was inspiring. In fact, I’ve dedicated Blizzard at Blue Ridge Inn to John and guests who stay at the inn. In June, my husband and I plan to spend our anniversary in the suite reserved for Erica. We’ll ride the train and enjoy dinner at the Black Sheep restaurant, a scene in Blue Ridge series book two. By that time, book three will be finished. Then on to book four.

The Avid Reader, April 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 12
Stories By Gina, April 13 (Author Interview)
Devoted To Hope, April 13 (Spotlight)
Texas Book-aholic, April 14
Artistic Nobody, April 15 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 16
Girls in White Dresses, April 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 18
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, April 19 (Author Interview)
Splashes of Joy, April 19
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 20
For Him and My Family, April 21
An Author’s Take, April 22
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 23
She Lives To Read, April 24

To celebrate her tour, Pat is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/2afa1/blizzard-at-blue-ridge-inn-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Streams of Courage by Sandra Merville Hart

Book: Streams of Courage

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 26, 2024

In a world turned upside down by war and betrayal…will his role as a spy bring them closer…or tear their future apart?

The war that Julia Dodd prayed to avoid is now reality, and with it, her world has been turned on its head. Her fellow citizens, who stood with her in their support of the union, have crossed firmly to the side of the south. And her mother, lost in her grief over the loss of her husband and children, can think of nothing but protecting Julia’s brother’s inheritance. She insists that her daughter seek a wealthier husband than Ashburn Mitchell.

Ash knows what his fellow citizens think of him when he refuses to fight for the Confederacy. Shouldering the accusation of being a coward and refusing to hide behind his limp, Ash remains in Vicksburg to support his family as a saddler while his two best friends join the fight. Struggling to increase his business so he can marry the woman he loves, Ash becomes a spy in support of the Union. He can’t fight for the South but won’t raise a musket against them.

As tragedy instigates Ash to risk greater danger to speed the end of the war, Julia can only pray it won’t cost them everything. She’s already lost her father and two siblings. Must she lose the man she loves too?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Romance Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. Streams of Courage by Sandra Merville Hart is the latest book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 4 in the Spies of the Civil War Series. I have been enjoying the series since Book 1 and was excited to learn that Book 4 is released.

I jumped right into reading this book as soon as I received it and I was intrigued by the storyline. I really LOVE the Civil War Era and the time of 1861 for the story. The 2 main characters are Ash and Julia. Ash is a spy in support of the Union and Julia and her family are Union Supporters. Ash wants to marry Julia, although her mother wants her to marry a wealthy man. Ash is hiding some things from Julia as he puts himself in dangers way. I really LOVE how Ash and Julia have trials and dangers, but they overcome. The author has really done her research for the Historical period of this book. There were many twists and turns for this storyline and I LOVED how the book wasn't predictable! The book is faith-based and has some faith references. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction! FABULOUS BOOK!

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher.

More from Sandra

In Streams of Courage, Book 4 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, Julia, our heroine, has suffered several significant losses in her life, including her father and two siblings. Her mother’s insistence that Julia stop courting Ash, a saddler, and find instead a rich suitor makes no sense. Surely her father had provided for her.

Then she discovers that her parents have only provided for her younger brother, whom her mother had always adored. Julia will be penniless when her mother dies. The knowledge crushes her.

Ash is already supporting his mother and siblings. As Mama points out, adding a wife and children will stretch his income to the limits. Mama will not give her blessing should Ash propose. Julia, who had been raised in comfort, must find some means of support.

As I considered how Julia could make money in a war-time economy, it was clear her mother, as the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, would never condone her working in a shop. What can she do?

Tatting lace.

Her lace patterns have received compliments in the past. With fewer ships bringing goods into the city, lace is in short supply. Granted, the demand for lace has diminished because even dress fabric isn’t as available as before the war.

I enjoyed researching this skill that was once so prevalent among young ladies in society. I watched videos on making lace with a special needle called a tatting needle.

The most basic stitch is the double-stitch. There is a special way to hold the needle and thread so that the first stitch grabs thread from under the thumb and the second stitch grabs it from over the thumb. There is a rhythm to the stitching in the hands of a skilled lacemaker.

I watched videos that demonstrated making rings with picot trim. There is a variety of stitching. The variations create beautiful patterns. The lace is then rolled for storage.

Fascinating. It’s mesmerizing to watch the different patterns emerge.

Tatting is a small yet interesting aspect in the adventurous story. Ash has become a Union spy. For her and her family’s safety, he keeps his dangerous activities a secret from Julia.

Part of my research for this novel and the next two novels included a trip to Vicksburg, Mississippi. I toured the museums and walked the streets of the historic city. Though I wasn’t certain of my story at the time of my visit, I was inspired by the history.

Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1, is set in the Union capital of Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861, where a surprising number of Confederate sympathizers and spies lived. Boulevard of Confusion and Byway to Danger are set in Richmond, the Confederate capital in 1862. Actual historical spies touch the lives of our fictional family.

Through both real and fictional characters, this series highlights activities spies were involved in and some of the motives behind their decisions.

I invite you to read the whole “Spies of the Civil War” series!

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 17
Alena Mentink, April 18
Connie’s History Classroom, April 18
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 19
Bizwings Book Blog, April 20
Holly’s Book Corner, April 21
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 21
Texas Book-aholic, April 22
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 23
Betti Mace, April 24
Pause for Tales, April 24
Cover Lover Book Review, April 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 26
Books You Can Feel Good About, April 27
Lights in a Dark World, April 27
For Him and My Family, April 28
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 29 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, April 29
Blossoms and Blessings, April 30

To celebrate her tour, Sandra is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2afa6/streams-of-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Sunday, April 21, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem

Book: The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem

Author: Kurt Brouwer

Genre:Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: November, 2022

He was the Beloved Disciple…

…and he would be the last.

The mantle to tell the whole story has fallen on him.

From the cross, Jesus entrusted John, the youngest disciple, with the welfare of Mary, Jesus’s mother. Over thirty years later, as Jerusalem becomes a cauldron of explosive tempers, he receives a calling he doesn’t want.

Will he listen and follow?

And if he does, will it be too late?

In 62 AD, the Jewish high priest executes James, the brother of Jesus, triggering a bitter fight for power in Jerusalem that shatters the quiet life of John. The Jewish people he loves are making dangerous choices that will change the land of Israel forever.

Should he stay in Jerusalem and help hold off the Roman onslaught? Or is it time to reach out to those beyond Israel’s borders?

If he chooses to leave, what will be his message to these foreign believers? What new words of comfort could he possibly share?

Set against a backdrop of actual events, The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem is the first novel in a new series based on the Bible and Christian history.

Follow along while John faces multiple crises and comes to understand what it is to stand alone and lean on only the Lord.

Your heart will embrace The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem because John’s story is the story of our hope and promise.

Click here to get your copy!

Biblical Fiction, especially Christian Historical Fiction, is a great genre. The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem by Kurt Brouwer is the latest in this genre that I had the opportunity to read. It is Book 1 in the Last Disciple series.

I will admit that I first thought this would be more like a study book but I was pleasantly surprised that is more of a novel and story. The author has done a GREAT job doing the research for the time period, which as 62AD, and the characters align with the times of the book. I really found this account of John a very interesting and intriguing read. John really had many struggles that really tested his faith but the story shows that he also had hope and obedience. I had a hard time understanding parts of the book, but for the story really gave me some new insight. I am looking forward to more books in this series. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction with Biblical Facts. GREAT BOOK!

About the Author

It all started the morning I learned that the Gospel of John was published fifty years after Jesus died. Fifty years! What did John do all that time? Where did he live? Why did he wait? Frankly I got a little obsessive about this man who became the last disciple.

Living in Hawaii

For the past 20 years, I’ve been a member of a Bible-based Christian church in Hawaii. About eight years ago, our pastor, Kahu Billy Mitchell, challenged our Elders group to pray and read the Bible for one hour every morning.

It wasn’t as though we were not reading the Bible or praying every day, but he challenged us to take our devotions up a few notches. So, I did just that.

During one of those early morning sessions, I was studying the books of the New Testament in a broad sense. Who wrote them and when? What were the broad themes covered in each?

I found out that a huge gap of 50 years elapsed after the ministry of Jesus and the publication of the Gospel of John. That morning something else hit me–John outlived all the others to become the last disciple. I couldn’t stop thinking about how lonely it must have been to be the last one standing.

A few years later, I began writing The Last Disciple Series of Christian historical novels about the life of John.

The Last Disciple Series

The Last Disciple is a series of Christian novels based on the Bible and Christian history. The first in the series: The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem, begins in the year 62 AD. In it, you walk with John through the streets of Jerusalem. With him, you face multiple crises and come to understand what it is to stand alone and lean only on the Lord.

This book, The Last Disciple: Exile in Ephesus is the third in the series, following The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch (book two) and The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem (book one).