Friday, November 30, 2018

#BELOVED:365 DEVOTIONS FOR YOUNG WOMEN #FlyBy

beloved-BLOG

BOOK INFORMATION
Genre: Christian Devotional
  • Hardcover: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Zondervan (October 2, 2018)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 9780310762775
  • ISBN-13: 978-0310762775
  • ASIN: 0310762774
  • 2018-11-30-08-21-33

    Inspire young women to be all they can be

    Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women is a topical devotional that uses the inspiring stories of girls and women in the Bible—such as Ruth, Esther, Mary, and Abigail—to encourage faith and confidence as well as provide insight into topics like relationships, inner beauty, and chasing your dreams.

    Each day features an easy-to-read, relevant devotion paired with a scripture verse about a biblical girl or woman, as well as journaling space to help readers reflect on the day’s message. With honest, poignant, and sometimes humorous text, every page will speak to the pressures and changes girls face, giving them real-world applications to find God in their hearts and in their lives. Perfect for everyday use, Beloved will resonate with girls searching for truth and guidance. Gift givers will love this highly designed book featuring a beautiful, foiled cover, two-color interior pages, and a ribbon marker.
2018-11-30-08-21-52
Review: I enjoy devotionals like this which speak specifically to women. While this is geared for young women, aged 16-25, it is also appropriate for women of all ages. Using stories of women from the Bible, it encourages women to live in faith and confidence. A variety of topics are covered throughout, including relationships, inner beauty, pursuing goals.

Each day includes a short passage of Scripture about a girl in the Bible and a devotional that helps girls think about the passage. It also includes a couple of journaling lines so girls can respond or pray in writing.

The cover is beautiful and sturdy, the pages have a cute floral design, and it includes an attached ribbon bookmark.



Rating: Five stars
Beloved-meme-2

BLOG TOUR: Going For Broke--How To Suffer Well by Shannon Medisky

Going-for-Broke-banner-2
Title: GOING FOR BROKE: HOW TO SUFFER WELL
Author: Shannon Medisky
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 61
Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Devotional
Going-For-Broke-693x1024
Synopsis: Hardship hurts and suffering sucks.
But there’s very important work—and rewards—we need to be occupied with in the middle of it all.
Suffering has a way of stretching us beyond ourselves. It prompts us to stretch outside of our current comfort zones. But no matter how we feel, we don’t have to be buried by our challenges and circumstances. Instead, we can recognize that God has planted us right where we are for a reason: It’s time to get growing.
Here’s how.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon / B&N

Watch the Trailer!


Review: I was very impressed by the positive attitude of the author throughout this book. She reminds the reader that suffering is a part of our human experience, but we don't have to let it break us. She provides anecdotes from her own life, as well as talking about the suffering of such Biblical figures as Noah and Moses, to show how you can grow closer to God during your times of suffering. 

The author has a very unique writing style which makes the reader feel this book is written just for them. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from her in the future.

Rating: Four stars
Shannon-Medisky-732x1024
About the author
“Shannon’s writing is infused with an abiding passion, a marked sensitivity to the needs of her readers and a tangible wisdom gleaned from real life experience,” Danielle D.
Shannon Medisky is a leading expert in struggling with stress, screwing up and seeking God in the midst of it all. Sometimes funny but always real, Shannon’s writing is infused with practical ideas designed to help others create positive, real change in their daily lives. In short, Shannon writes about how to intentional move from simply “going on” to growing on—by God’s grace.
Shannon’s articles, insights and ideas have been featured in Exceptional ParentsAdoptive FamiliesHybrid MomMothering and Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family. For the past nine years, Shannon’s also worked as contributing writer and curriculum designer for OneHope, a global nonprofit ministry devoted to sharing the life-changing message of the Gospel with youth and children worldwide. To learn more, visit GraceToGrowOn.com.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK


BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, October 1

Book Feature & Tour KickOff at PUYB Virtual Book Club

Tuesday, October 2

Book Teaser Feature at PUYB Book Teasers

Wednesday, October 3

Book Feature at The Writer’s Life

*********

Monday, October 8

Book Feature at An Imperfect Christian Mom

Tuesday, October 9

Book Feature at Book Bloggin’ Princess

Wednesday, October 10

Book Feature at A Title Wave

*********

Monday, October 15

Book Feature at I’m Shelf-ish

Wednesday, October 17

Book Feature at Confessions of an Eccentric Bookaholic

*********

Monday, October 22

Book Feature at My Bookish Pleasures

Wednesday, October 24

Book Feature at Write and Take Flight

**********

Wednesday, October 31

Book Feature at Nuttin’ But Books

*********

Monday, November 5

Book Trailer Featured at Blogging Authors

Tuesday, November 6

Book Feature at Lori’s Reading Corner

Wednesday, November 7

Book Feature at As the Page Turns

Friday, November 9

Book Feature at Bound 2 Escape

**********

Monday, November 12

Book Feature at The Literary Nook

Wednesday, November 14

Book Review at Sefina Hawke’s Books

*********

Monday, November 19

Book Feature at Book Cover Junkie

Wednesday, November 21

Book Feature at Jody’s Book Reviews

**********

Monday, November 26

Book Feature at SheWrites

Tuesday, November 27

Book Review at The Book Connection

Friday, November 30

Book Review at Book Babble

Book Review at Books for Books

__________________________________________________

puyb-tour-banner






Wednesday, November 28, 2018

BLOG TOUR: 50 Ways To Get Your Way by Juliet Huck

50-Ways-To-Get-Your-Way-banner-2
BOOK INFORMATION
Genre: Motivational Nonfiction
  • Perfect Paperback
  • Publisher: The Huck Group (September 1, 2018)
  • ISBN-10: 098991951X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0989919517

50-Ways-To-Get-Your-Way

Synopsis: 50 Ways to Get Your Way by Juliet Huck Promotes the Art of Persuading Others Using the Simple Power of Commonsense Values

In 50 WAYS TO GET YOUR WAY, Juliet Huck shares the lessons she learned while growing up on her family’s farm in rural Ohio—values such as being grateful, nurturing relationships, and listening intently, which she used to build a successful career as a persuasion strategist working with corporate clients and on high-profile legal cases. Huck teaches readers how to be persuasive in a manner that is honorable and respectful while making genuine human connections.
The tools Huck shares in 50 WAYS TO GET YOUR WAY are familiar, but the author notes that many of these values are missing in the current social climate. Using beautiful images (many photographed by the author) and conversational prose, Huck encourages readers to commit to a practice of awareness—of self and others—and guides them through the dance of building relationships that will help them achieve their goals. While all of the pearls of wisdom presented in 50 WAYS TO GET YOUR WAY are essential ingredients for developing into a solid human being, several offer the building blocks for becoming an exceptional person who gets what he or she wants. Being empathetic by learning what other people find meaningful, paying attention to the effect that one’s tone can have on others, telling a compelling story, letting go of expectations to minimize disappointment, and understanding the importance of clarity when asking for assistance or sharing plans are just a few of the gems that Huck examines in her book.
Huck acknowledges that the principles outlined in 50 WAYS TO GET YOUR WAY are not “rocket science”; however, she believes they are timely. “Observing the current environment, I could not sit back and be silent about how we are treating each other—especially when we need something from someone else. I felt instead of fighting with others, it is time to remind us of the beautiful things that can connect us,” Huck said.
50 WAYS TO GET YOUR WAY was written with the intention of helping people fulfill their personal and professional needs by mastering the art of making genuine connections.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

Review: When I was presented with the opportunity to read and review this book, I was quick to accept, thanks to the phrase "growing up on her family’s farm in rural Ohio." I grew up in rural Ohio myself, and many of my relatives are farmers. I had a strong feeling this book would resonate with me, and I was right.

This little book of "common sense philosophy" is easy to read, and provides a great deal of humor. The information provided is done in a relatable way, filled with the author's personality. 

This would make a great gift for any high school or college graduate about to embark on finding their way in the world.

Rating: Four stars 

About the author
Juliet Huck is an expert in persuasive communications with 25 years of experience. She was born in Marietta, Ohio, and holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. During her career, she has worked with the US Department of Justice for the Enron litigation, Exxon Mobil, Boeing, and law firms, such as O’Melveny and Myers, Kirkland and Ellis, and King and Spalding, among other high-profile clients. Juliet is the author of 50 Ways to Get Your Way and The Equation of Persuasion: Securing Decisions in Your Favor.
Her latest book, 50 Ways to Get Your Way, offers insights for skillfully using persuasion in work and in life by forming meaningful relationships. It is the first book in a series that will teach readers how to get what they want in all facets of their lives.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

AUTHOR WEBSITE | BOOK WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |

INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN


__________________________________________________

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, November 5

Book Feature & Tour KickOff at PUYB Virtual Book Club

Interview at Pump Up Your Book

Tuesday, November 6

Guest Blogging at The Writer’s Life

Wednesday, November 7

Guest Blogging at Dear Reader, Love Author

Thursday, November 8

Book Teaser Feature at PUYB Book Teasers

Friday, November 9

Book Review at Sefina Hawke’s Books

**********

Monday, November 12

Book Feature at T’s Stuff

Tuesday, November 13

Book Review at Lynchburg Mama

Wednesday, November 14

Book Review at Books for Books

Thursday, November 15

Book Feature at C.A. Milson’s Author Blog

Friday, November 16

Interview at The Literary Nook

**********

Monday, November 19

Interview at Literarily Speaking

Tuesday, November 20

Book Feature at Rising Indies United

Wednesday, November 21

Book Feature at The Bookworm Lodge

*********

Monday, November 26

Guest Blogging at Blogging Authors

Tuesday, November 27

Interview at Blogger News Net

Wednesday, November 28

Book Review at Book Babble

Thursday, November 29

Guest Blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner

Friday, November 30

Book Review at The Book Connection

__________________________________________________

puyb-tour-banner


BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: Slay Bells (A Christmas Village Mystery) by T.C. Wescott


Slay Bells (A Christmas Village Mystery) by T.C. Wescott

About the Book

 
Cozy Mystery 
Brand New Series 
Better Mousetrap Books (November 23, 2018) 
Print Length: 273 pages 
Digital ASIN: B07HGG7ZFR
‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the village, the night settled in over swirling-smoke chimneys; the air was alive with pine and holly, with sugar and cinnamon and cider, by golly!
Along snowy lanes and through shadows it crept, past windows behind which each villager slept, where sleeping dogs lie and cats rest a’purring—
Tonight, in Christmas Village, a killer is stirring.
Welcome to Christmas Village, a magical hamlet where even in December the roses hold their luster and bees buzz among the bluebells. You’re just in time for the week-long Christmas Festival, and nowhere is Christmas celebrated with such unrestrained merriment as the village which bears its name. Mayor Cobblestone and Sheriff Fell will be somewhere nearby, doing all they can to make sure you’re safe during your stay.
Provided you haven’t booked a room at Plum Cottage.
Nestled betwixt an opulent garden with meandering footpaths and an ancient grove of plum trees, Rose Willoughby’s boarding house is plum-full with lodgers. There are no vacancies, but just wait. Soon there will be one…and another…and another.
Presently lodging at the cottage are: the juggler, the acrobat, the magician, the psychic, the strongman, the manager, and the pretty assistant. In town as festival entertainment they’ve each brought their own bag of tricks. And a closetful of skeletons.
When the entertainers begin dying in inexplicable ways, some villagers believe a beast from old village lore is the culprit. The sheriff knows better, but he’s just as helpless to catch the invisible killer as are the town folk with their eyes to the sky in search of a flying creature. But our mysterious murderer hasn’t counted on yet another lodger coming to the cottage: Maribel Claus.
Short as a stump, round as a wheel, sweet as a candy cane, and a sharp as a whip, Maribel loves a good puzzle. But has she finally met her match at Plum Cottage?
Can you figure out whodunit before Maribel does? If you’re up to the challenge, here’s your first clue—the key to unlocking the secret of the murderer’s identity lies in figuring out how the murders were committed. Good luck!
Review: This is the first novel in a new series, and I already can't wait to read more. Maribel Claus is a fun character, as are the other residents of Christmas Village. They are all a bit quirky, and some even have beliefs that are WAY out there.

This book is very well written, and the story keeps you guessing as to what will happen next and who is committing murder.

Rating: Four stars

About the Author

T.C. Wescott was born in Missouri but has lived in Oklahoma most of his life. Like pretty much every author who has ever breathed, he is an avid reader. His favorites are classic mysteries from the Golden Age, as well as just before or just after that period (which is widely considered the period between the two World Wars). His first mystery novel, Running from Scissors, was published in July 2018 and will be the first of at least three books in the Running Store Mystery series.
The Christmas Village Mystery series will launch in November of the same year with the debut title Slay Bells. The formula for his books is simple - mixing the classic, traditional detective fiction standards with all the trappings of the modern cozy mystery.
Wescott is also (under another name) the author of two award-winning non-fiction books as well as a slew of essays and articles.
Follow on GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18176277.T_C_Wescott


Purchase Link - Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS
  November 23 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW
  November 23 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
  November 24 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
  November 24 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW
  November 25 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
  November 25 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
  November 26 – Laura's Interests - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
  November 26 – My Devotional Thoughts - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
  November 27 – The Book's the Thing - REVIEW, GUEST POST
  November 28 – Book Babble – REVIEW
  November 28 – Bibliophile Reviews - REVIEW, GUEST POST
  November 29 – View from the Birdhouse – GUEST POST
  November 29 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
  November 30 – A Blue Million Books - AUTHOR INTERVIEW
  December 1 – Readeropolis - AUTHOR INTERVIEW
  December 1 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
  December 2 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
  December 2 – Island Confidential - CHARACTER INTERVIEW
  December 3 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
  December 3 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT  
  December 4 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW*
  December 4 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW
  December 5 – The Montana Bookaholic - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
  December 5 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
 December 6 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW
 December 6 – Here's How It Happened – REVIEW  

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!  

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: Dark Corner: A Witch Cat Mystery by Vicki Vass


Dark Corner: A Witch Cat Mystery by Vicki Vass

About the Book

 
Paranormal Cozy Mystery 
2nd in Series 
Tedeschi Publishing (October 9, 2018) 
Paperback: 190 pages 
ISBN-10: 0998989363 
ISBN-13: 978-0998989365 
Digital ASIN: B07J4P2521
Evil has awoken in Asheville, North Carolina, and Terra Rowan must prepare the Ladies of the Biltmore Society for battle. With her familiar, Pixel, a crooked leg fluffy orange cat, and her apprentice Abigail Oakhaven, a stubborn teenage girl with a bloodline dating back to the beginning of time, she begins their journey. The witch hunters have come to the Appalachian Mountains in search of the last witch of Salem. The magic of the mountains can no longer protect her and her coven. She must travel to the one place on earth that holds the secret to save mankind – Dark Corner.
Combining elements from different cultures, Appalachian folklore, Celtic legends, Native American mysticism, Dark Corner continues its new witch mythology while staying true to the realm of cozy mystery.
Terra Rowan is a witch trapped between worlds and lost in time.
Review: Although this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel as I did. I seem to be on a roll recently reading about women who have been transformed into cats and can't break the spell, for whatever reason (see my reviews of the Caitlyn series if interested). This one, however, is a lot less gory and intense than the Caitlyn series, which is a welcome change right now.

All of the characters are well-written, and the story will keep you reading to find out what is going to happen next. My favorite character is Pixel, a fluffy orange cat who always has some of the cutest lines, and who befriends a butterfly.

Highly recommend this story for readers who enjoy cozies, history and/or fantasy. I am hoping to find time to work Book 1 into my schedule before the release of Book 3!

Rating: Four Stars

About the Author

Vicki Vass traded in her reporter’s notebook to pursue her passion of writing cozy mysteries. Her Antique Hunter series was a finalist in the 2016 Mystery & Mayhem contest. Bloodline is the first book in the Witch Cat Mystery series. Vicki has written more than 1,400 stories for the Chicago Tribune as well as other commercial publications including Home & Away, the Lutheran and Woman’s World. Her science fiction novel, The Lexicon, draws on her experience in Sudan while writing about the ongoing civil war for World Relief. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, writer and musician Brian Tedeschi, son Tony, Australian shepherd Bandit, kittens Terra and Pixel, seven koi and Gary the turtle.

 
Author Links – Website – Blog – Facebook 


Purchase Link – Amazon
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS
November 19 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT 
November 20 – Jane Reads - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 21 – Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf – GUEST POST
November 22 – THANKSGIVING U.S. - OFF
November 23 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 24 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
November 25 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW
November 25 – Carole's Book Corner – SPOTLIGHT
November 26 – T's Stuff – SPOTLIGHT
November 26 - Socrates' Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 27 – Book Babble – REVIEW
November 27 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT  
November 28 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST
November 28 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 29 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
November 29 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 30 – Mallory Heart's Cozies - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 30 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
December 1 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 1 – Varietats – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
December 2 – Readeropolis – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
December 3 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

  Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul by Janet Autherine

Wild-Heart-Peaceful-Soul-banner
BOOK INFORMATION
Title: WILD HEART, PEACEFUL SOUL: POEMS AND INSPIRATION TO LIVE AND LOVE HARMONIOUSLY
Author: J. Autherine
Publisher: Autherine Publishing
Pages: 158
Genre: Poetry
Wild-Heart-Peaceful-Soul-2
Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul, is a beautiful collection of poems that provide inspiration to strong, vulnerable, badass women who love deeply, sometimes fall hard but always lead with their hearts. It is a deep and gritty, fresh and robust look at the thrill of loving unconditionally, as well as the mental and physical toll that it takes when peace and harmony are sometimes lost in the process.
Drawing on personal experiences from her own journey of the past 30 years, J Autherine delves into the vulnerable hearts of women from around the world, including from her early years in Jamaica. Poems such as Quiet Storm reveal the pain of sudden loss, while The Rebel Soul carries with it that air of doubt or uncertainty we all feel when in love.

The pain and struggle of women who love deeply and pour into others without first filling their own jars is prevalent throughout, as is the reoccurring theme of reclaiming your heart in order to live and love harmoniously.

Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul has the ability to pick you up in moments when you feel broken or not good enough to be loved and provide the strength in the love you always need as we search for the one who is worthy of our love.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“I am afraid that if I say that I am over you, the universe will call my bluff.”


QUIET STORM

A quiet storm blew
through her life,
swept her off her feet
and then buried her
in an avalanche
of fallen leaves.

The ride was so thrilling
that she didn’t realize how
hard she hit the ground
until her heart started to bleed;
he was already gone.


“I always smile when I see your face.  You are on my screensaver to remind me that happiness does exist.”


THE WEIGHT OF YOUR PRESENCE

Joy is being in your space
but not speaking,
just feeling the weight of your presence,
occasional glances,
soul smiling,
feeling like all is right with the world,
even for a moment.

“The mind is on a new journey; the body had recovered; the heart has healed but the badass soul won’t let go.”

THE REBEL SOUL

I deleted all your photos,
removed them from my memory,
trained my heart not to love you,
my mind not to think of you… much

but

my soul still aches for you,
my soul wants to run to you,
my soul is waiting, quite impatiently,
to betray me.

“I am an introvert but call me anytime; that is how much I love you.”

I DON’T LIKE PEOPLE

When the dysfunction in the world
overwhelms my senses, I cling to you.

When I reject everything in my path,
I still choose you.

When my soul aches for solitude,
my heart wants to pull you closer.

When I crawl into my shell to hide,
you are the only comfort that I crave.

I choose you.

I don’t like people, but I love you.










Review: As a poet myself, I'm always on the lookout for poetry that touches me. This collection definitely fills the bill. Nearly every poem was one which resonated with me, either in regard to my past or my present.
This lady is an amazing poet, and I will definitely be looking for more of her work in the future.

Rating: Five stars


Janet Autherine is the author of Growing into Greatness with God: 7 Paths to Greatness for our Sons & Daughters, and Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul: Reclaiming Your Heart in order to Live and Love Harmoniously.

Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul, is a beautiful collection of poems that tell the stories of strong, vulnerable, courageous women who love deeply, sometimes fall hard but always lead with their hearts. It is a deep and gritty, fresh and robust look at the thrill of loving unconditionally, as well as the mental and physical toll that it takes when peace and harmony are sometimes lost in the process. Drawing on personal experiences from her own journey of the past 30 years, J Autherine delves into the vulnerable hearts of women from around the world, including from her early years in Jamaica.

Growing into Greatness with God, 7 Paths to Greatness for our Sons and Daughters is inspired by her own experiences growing up in Jamaica, as well as her experience raising her three sons to recognize and nourish what God has planted within each of them.  Her goal, through her writing, is to empower adults and children to see themselves as unique and amazing, already blessed with the ability to succeed in life and achieve their dreams.

Janet was born in St. Thomas, Jamaica, and immigrated to the United States when she was twelve. She grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from Pennsylvania State University and Boston College Law School.  Janet continues to practice law but wakes up at 5am almost every morning to cultivate her inspirational writing and introduce readers to great books through her publishing company, Autherine Publishing. She is a proud introvert and running and reading are her peaceful passions.

Her books are available on Amazon and she blogs at www.JanetAutherine.com.

Website Address: www.JanetAutherine.com
Blog Address: http://www.janetautherine.com/wild-heart-peaceful-soul/
Twitter Address:@loveautherine
Facebook Address: https://www.facebook.com/JanetAutherineJ/


http://www.pumpupyourbook.com