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The Mosaic Collection Author Spotlight – Johnnie Alexander

by admin | Jul 18, 2019 | Author Spotlight, Books

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory…
The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ’s finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

…and our good
We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God’s grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

ABOUT JOHNNIE ALEXANDER:

Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget. Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides (Tyndale), is a CBA bestseller. She writes contemporaries, historicals, and cozy mysteries, serves on the executive boards of Serious Writer, Inc. and the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy. Johnnie lives in Oklahoma with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon.

CONNECT WITH JOHNNIE: Website | https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr

Cornerstone message from the collection:

One of the first verses I ever claimed as my own was Proverbs 31:25. The translation I love most reads: Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.

The first part of the verse is almost a mantra, a phrase I repeat to myself when I need courage. Maybe I’m faced with something as simple as a phone call I don’t want to make. Or maybe the situation is much more serious. An ectopic pregnancy. Family tensions. Divorce. A dying parent.

Life takes courage. And at the heart of courage–true courage–is trust. We can smile at the future, no matter what difficult, frightening, horrible situations we face because of God’s steadfast love and His promise of eternal life with Him.

A FEW OF JOHNNIE’S FAVORITE THINGS:

Favorite place to read: I love to read in my comfy spot on the sofa. My little papillon Rugby curls up on the leg rest, and I usually put down the middle console which has a cup-holder for my drink. It’s all very relaxing and cozy.

Favorite book character from childhood: I have so many, but if I must choose one I’ll go with Encyclopedia Brown. I read all those books I could find when I was a kid.

Favorite movie: I’m not sure I ever answer this question the same–I have so many favorites, it’s always hard to choose just one. Today’s choice . . . Captain America: Civil War. And just about anything starring Cary Grant.

Favorite quote or Bible verse: “Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.” Ecclesiastes 11:7

Favorite splurge/treat: Going to the movies!

Favorite character you’ve created: This is a toss-up between two of my heroes: Ian Devlin from Where Treasure Hides (WWII historical) and AJ Sullivan from Where She Belongs (contemporary). Ian is known for his heart-flipping grin, and both guys have a mischievous streak. Both are strong, capable, and upright. AJ needs to overcome a childhood of loss, deceit, and painful grief. Ian has his own burden and confronts horrific circumstances as a WWII soldier.

Last 3 great books you read: We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels; The Divide by Jolina Petersheim; Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

Dream vacation: I’ve been blessed to take a dream vacation already. My sister and I flew to Barcelona, traveled by train through France, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain, then spent a week in Lisbon. It was the best trip ever! My new dream vacation is to visit the Pacific Northwest. Or New Zealand (Middle Earth!).

Hidden talent/little-known fact: I’ve been known to choke on, among other things, a giant Sweet-Tart, water, and . . . air!

Plotter or pantser: Depends on the story–I truly do both. I recently wrote a novella based on nothing more than the back cover type blurb I submitted in the proposal. But I also write novels for a particular publisher based on the chapter summaries I’ve created. I’ve discovered that the more planning I do upfront, the easier it is to write the story.

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) :

Sunshine through a window.
Dandelions.
Sprawling trees.
Freshly-squeezed lemon juice in a glass of ice-cold Pepsi.
Hugs from the grands.
My collie’s deep “sighs” (You have to hear it to “know” it!)
Typing “The End”
Blank books.
My adult kids laughing about childhood memories.
Surprise blessings.

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

Where She Belongs
Pieces of Granite
Lifelines
Christmas on a Mission
Vigilant
Other Side of the River
The Third Grace
Carolina Grace
The Benefit Package (a devotional)
Dance of Grace
When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Blessing Bentley by Chautona Havig

by admin | Jul 17, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I had absolutely no preformed expectations when I agreed to review Blessing Bentley. Honestly I probably thought that with a cover that cute, the book had to be a good one. That might not be the most accurate way to choose a book but in this case my instincts were on the mark.

Blessing Bentley may be the most unique novel about the path to marriage that I have ever encountered. With a quirky, determined, and dedicated to the Lord heroine it was a given that there would be plenty of humorous moments and there were. Yet blended in with Bentley’s unusual ideas about marriage was an in-depth study of what the Bible has to say about marriage.

I may not agree with all the conclusions that Bentley reached and I probably wouldn’t advise young women to attempt to follow in her footsteps but she raised plenty of ideas that all married couples should consider, whether newlyweds or an old married couple like my husband and I who are quickly approaching fifty years together.

It was a lot of fun reading Blessing Bentley and I would definitely recommend it. I think it would be a wonderful book for young women who are beginning to think about their future marriage and what it should look like. Looking forward to the other books in this series. I hope the wait will not be too long!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: Blessing Bentley
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Fiction / Christian / Romantic Women’s FictionRelease date: June 13, 2019Get your copy here!

Bentley Girard’s about to propose… to a guy she doesn’t even love.

Not THAT way anyway.

After studying everything the Bible has to say about marriage, she’s decided she wants in. Now. So who’s going to take her up on that offer?

And just why did no one reminded her that those vows include that little word, “love.”

Oops!

With her Bible in her hip pocket, and a shiny new ring on her finger, Bentley navigates this new world of marriage with grace and… oh, who is she kidding? She flounders until she gets a sure footing and hangs on tight.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

MORE FROM CHAUTONA:

If You Need to Save Time, Don’t Ask for Help

Not from my friend anyway. It all started with a conversation about Bentley…

She pops up now and then—the most ubiquitous (and yet not) of my unpublished characters, you might say. Who is this unsung Bentley, and why should we care about her? For that matter, why has her story been languishing in my “to be edited” pile for over a decade?”

It’s worse than that. Bentley isn’t the only book that’s been sitting there, unedited, waiting for a chance at daylight. There’s also Tait’s story. Andi’s story. Ami’s story… all the unpublished stories. Those don’t even include the partially done ones.

It’s an illness, I tell ya.

Some people may not know this about me, but I plot out my books while I’m driving. I get in the car, turn on my voice recorder, and talk to myself. You can’t know how grateful I am for cellphones. I don’t own or use one, but man I’m glad they exist. Know why? Because people don’t give you weird looks when you talk to yourself in the car now. When I was a kid, that wasn’t true. Not that I know from personal experience or anything. *whistles*

So one trip down south (it’s an hour and a half to go anywhere from my house, and most of my trips are at least three hours one way), I realized that Tait and Bentley’s stories could be merged. It would be awesome. Two books. One stone. If I did that to a bunch of my languishing manuscripts, I could clear out that unfinished file in no time! (Okay, let me dream here. Eternal optimist, remember?)

And that brings us back to Blessing Bentley

I was at my friend Sandy’s house (if you know Celebrate Lit, yes, that Sandy), and I told her I needed a new title. Why? Because now it included Tait and his story.

We talked. We schemed and plotted. Sandy wanted something to happen that just can’t. I’d seriously have to rewrite the entire series. Oh, and then there would be issues with already published books. Ahem.

Then it happened. She said the words. “It needs to be two books.”

I could have put an ice cube down her shirt. Do you remember how excited I was to have two combined into one??? Now we’re back to two books. Still, they were written as two. I just don’t have a satisfactory ending for Tait’s.

That’s when things got fun. Sandy tossed out one idea. I tossed it back. She remolded it and flipped it in the air. I caught it, made a few changes, and voila! We had a BOOK. And it would be adorable.

Then she swore at me.

Okay, so she actually just said, “You really need a third book, friend.”

Anyone who has ever heard her talk, can hear her voice there. I know you can. Still, as sweet and kind as she might have meant to sound, I heard swearing.

Another book. You’ve got to be kidding me! I went from having two books morphed into one being split back in two, and now you want to add one? I’m trying to reduce the to-do pile!

But then I remembered another story that’s been percolating since I wrote 31 Kisses. Carson’s brother is newly single. And well…

Yep. Enter trilogy.

Marriage of Conviction—that was supposed to be the title of Blessing Bentley. Who knew that when I started writing that book fifteen years ago—who knew it would end up being the title of a series instead. Marriages of Conviction. Blessing Bentley, Tempting Tait, and Charming Chloe.

Welcome to a new look on marriage and a wild ride with these characters!

And remember… if you think I have too many series… Well, this one’s Sandy’s fault.

BLOG STOPS:

Among the Reads, July 8

Cultivating Us, July 8

Texas Book-aholic, July 9

janicesbookreviews, July 10

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 10

A Reader’s Brain, July 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 12

CarpeDiem, July 12

Retrospective Spines, July 13

Splashes of Joy, July 13

Back Porch Reads, July 14

Inklings and notions, July 15

Through the Fire Blogs, July 16

Godly Book Reviews, July 16

Lots of Helpers, July 17

Captive Dreams Window, July 17

Daysong Reflections, July 18

She Lives To Read, July 19

Blogging With Carol, July 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 20

For Him and My Family, July 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 21

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a Blessing Bentley grand prize package that includes a paperback copy of the book, a book cozy, a Blessing Bentley Candle, and a $25 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/e550/blessing-bentley-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Mosaic Collection Author Spotlight – Sara Davison

by admin | Jul 15, 2019 | Books

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

ABOUT SARA DAVISON:

Sara Davison is the author of the romantic suspense novel, The Watcher, and the romantic suspense series, The Seven Trilogy and The Night Guardians Series. She has been a finalist for eight national writing awards, including Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol Award, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a Word and Cascade Award winner. Sara currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children, all of whom she (literally) looks up to.

CONNECT WITH SARA: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Cornerstone message from the collection:

God never promised believers that life would be easy, he promised us that he would never leave us or forsake us. Whatever we are going through, he is with us and we are never alone.

I hope and pray that my message encourages readers to remember that they are not alone when they are going through tough times. We often don’t understand why God allows certain things to happen to us or those we love, but we can trust that he is good, that he is sovereign and in control, and that he will never leave us.

A FEW OF SARA’S FAVORITE THINGS:

Favorite place to read: On a Muskoka chair on the shore of a lake

Favorite book character from childhood: Anne of Green Gables

Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption

Favorite quote or Bible verse: …the mere obeying is also intrinsically good, for, in obeying, a rational creature consciously enacts its creaturely role, reverses the act by which we fell, treads Adam’s dance backward, and returns. (C.S. Lewis)

Favorite splurge/treat: Really good, high quality chocolate

Favorite character you’ve created: Captain Jesse Christiansen in The Seven Trilogy

Last 3 great books you read: Heaven by Randy Alcorn, Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, and The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

Dream vacation: Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales – my husband and I are hoping to go for our 25th anniversary in two years

Hidden talent/little-known fact: I won the science award in eighth grade and several public speaking awards in elementary school – interesting because I now have very little interest in science and would rather do almost anything than speak in public

Plotter or pantser: Plottser? Pantter? Definitely a bit of both. I like a reasonable outline when I begin – for sure I like to know where I’m beginning and where I will end up and as much of the journey to get there as possible, but I also like to leave it open for the story and characters to take me where they will along the way.

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : live theatre, road trips, coffee with friends, sleeping in, chocolate, afternoon naps, reading, family gatherings, hugs from my kids, date nights with my husband

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

Where She Belongs
Pieces of Granite
Lifelines
Christmas on a Mission
Vigilant
Other Side of the River
The Third Grace
Carolina Grace
The Benefit Package (a devotional)
Dance of Grace
When Love Calls

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Over the Line by Kelly Irvin

by admin | Jul 14, 2019 | Books

MY REVIEW:

When a young man literally dies at her feet and his last words her brother’s name, Gabriella is determined to find her brother. It doesn’t take long to learn that he is missing and accused of a murder. Ex-fiance Eli joins Gabriella against her wishes but despite her anger and unforgiveness toward him, she has to rely on his help before time runs out.

Tensions run high in Over The Line, the action packed tale of gun runners and the powerful men behind the scenes. Danger abounds with plenty of plot twists and surprises in this suspenseful novel. Characters are well defined with plenty of true to life flaws that make them believable. That didn’t stop me from becoming somewhat aggravated with Gabriella and her unwillingness to hear Eli’s explanations about the past. In many ways I actually thought Deacon and Natalie stole the limelight in this book.

I did enjoy reading Over the Line and recommend it to those who enjoy their suspense with a touch of romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: Over the Line
Author: Kelly Irvin
Genre: Romantic SuspenseRelease date: June 11, 2019Click here to grab your copy.

In this high-stakes romantic suspense novel where tensions mount on both sides of the border, bestselling author Kelly Irvin explores what happens when the past explodes against the present and the only person you can turn to is the one who broke your heart.

When a college student dies at Gabriella’s feet after muttering her brother’s name, vicious gun smugglers believe she knows too much. And they’re determined to make sure she suffers the same fate. With no one else to turn to, Gabriella reunites with her former fiancé, homicide detective Eli Cavazos, to investigate the dead man’s murder and her brother’s disappearance.

In a desperate race against time, Gabriella and Eli are determined to clear her brother and find him before the gun smugglers can kill them both. Bit by bit, they tear away the masks worn by men masquerading as law-abiding citizens. No one can be trusted.

Working as a team forces Gabriella and Eli to face the problems that ended their relationship. She realizes she’s the one who needs to learn to forgive, but Eli must also learn to trust her with his secrets.

This ragtag team must fight a powerful ring of criminals protected by the very institutions that should prosecute them in an all-out battle that may cost them their lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kelly Irvin is the bestselling author of the Every Amish Season and Amish of Bee County series. The Beekeepers Son received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, who called it a “beautifully woven masterpiece.” The two-time Carol Award finalist is a former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional. Kelly lives in Texas with her husband, photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, two grandchildren, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read books by her favorite authors. Visit her online at KellyIrvin.com; Instagram: kelly_irvin; Facebook: Kelly.Irvin.Author; Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin.

MORE FROM KELLY:

Over the Line by Kelly Irvin turns the heat up on suspense with a setting in Laredo, Texas. Here’s a spicy chili to pair with the book while you’re reading.

(adapted from 1979 World’s Fair Chili Recipe)

3 lbs. round steak, chopped
3 lbs. chuck roast, chopped
6 T. vegetable oil
6 T. chili Powder
6 T. cumin
6 garlic cloves minced
2 whole onions, chopped
1 T. oregano
2 T. paprika
2 T. cider vinegar
4 ounces green chilies, diced
14 oz. stewed tomatoes (one can)
1 T. Tabasco sauce
2 T. cornmeal
3 c. beef broth
Pepper to taste

Brown meat in oil. Pepper to taste. Drain oil from meat, add chili pepper, cumin, garlic, and onion. Cook for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir often.
Add oregano, paprika, vinegar, 2 c. broth, green chilies, stewed tomatoes, and Tabasco sauce. Simmer 30 to 45 minutes. Stir often.
Dissolve cornmeal in one cup of beef broth. Pour into chili. Simmer another 30 minutes, stirring often. (Chili is done when meat is tender.)

Serves 8.

Kelly’s Note: My husband loves his chili with saltine crackers. I like Fritos. We all agree that chili should NOT have beans in it. My mom always made homemade cinnamon rolls to have for dessert when she made her chili. Hmmm. That sounds good. I’m off to the kitchen! Enjoy!