Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Welcome to the Serenity's Secret Celebration Tour! #giveaway!!!!

 



About the Book

Book: Serenity’s Secret (The Heart of the Amish Book 6)

Author: Lisa Jones Baker

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release date: October, 2024

Serenity Holds Her Secrets Close

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Serenity Miller has much to love about life as the owner of The Pink Petal in Arthur, Illinois, and enjoys trying natural remedies and exploring garage sales. Then comes the day her neighbor, Stephen Lantz, saves her from trespassers on her property and their friendship deepens into an attraction Serenity knows can never lead to marriage. She holds secrets she can never divulge, despite Stephen’s way of wooing her. But how can Serenity return to her life of contentment after a taste of love? And when danger returns, will it steal her last hope for a bright future?

 Marilyn's thoughts:   Serenity’s Secret brings a tender story of her secret and struggles for romance. She is a lover of flowers and plants with her business that grew from her childhood illness. Stephen is a protector and felt responsible for her safety being neighbors. The unforeseen events gave way to fear but the characters knew where their protection came from that kept the story moving forward. This story will bring new aspect to what some flowers mean, that everyone is worthy of being loved despite hidden secrets and that forgiveness of keeping secrets has to be released.

 

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publisher and Celebrate Lit Bloggers tour. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lisa Jones Baker writes Amish Inspirational fiction. She grew up near Arthur, Illinois, and became acquainted with the Plain Faith at an early age when they custom-made and installed her family’s kitchen cabinets. On weekends, she and her parents frequented the quaint Amish town, often the setting of her stories, where they purchased meat, cheese, and home-made baking spices. Now, decades later, she still loves visiting; the town and the people yet intrigue her, and she so appreciates the talent of quilt-making almost as much as she loves horse and buggy rides. But there is much more to this perplexing group than meets the eye; they are extremely disciplined, hard-working, and honest…and they don’t all think alike. For these reasons, writing about them is her passion.

Lisa was fortunate to have been raised in a loving, Christian home by two wonderful parents: a reading specialist mother who plays the piano, and a retired Junior High Principal father who’s also an avid fox hunter. She has a B.A. in French Education and is a former school teacher who loves gardening, cooking, reading, positive thinkers, and every dog she meets. Although a homebody, travel has played a large part of her life. Over three decades of working with the airline industry has landed her on five out of seven continents.

More from Lisa

Do you know a secret? Serenity Miller harbors something she can never reveal, not even to her two dearest friends. Her private knowledge has never interfered with her calm, steady life as owner of The Pink Petal in Arthur, Illinois until the day it impedes her from having what she truly yearns for, Stephen Lantz.

Serenity’s Secret is my utmost favorite of the books I’ve penned. I write to entertain myself, and as I created the very complex life of a simple, Gott-loving Amish woman, I wasn’t sure how I would eventually resolve the tough issues Serenity faces:  falling victim to a crime and completely unaware of why her assailant chose her, at the same time yearning for a future with true love Stephen Lantz, when their destiny together is blocked by a secret.

Stephen’s late aendi Margaret used to say that there’s nothing that love can’t overcome. But will the denouement concur with Margaret’s strong belief? Enjoy the twists and the turns that will eventually reveal Serenity’s Secret!

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, November 1

Vicky Sluiter, November 2

Texas Book-aholic, November 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 4

The Avid Reader, November 5

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 6 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 7

lakesidelivingsite, November 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 9

For Him and My Family, November 10

Devoted To Hope, November 10

Cover Lover Book Review, November 11

Stories By Gina, November 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 12

Holly’s Book Corner, November 13

Bizwings Book Blog, November 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print 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/00adcf5484


Monday, November 4, 2024

A Year of Flowers: (A Sweet Romance 4-in-1 Novella Collection Set in a Flower Shop about Friendship and Second Chances) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 Preorder Now!!




A Year of Flowers:

 (A Sweet Romance 4-in-1 Novella Collection Set in a Flower Shop about Friendship and Second Chances)

November 19, 2024

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Get Moving by B J Bassett #Devotional

Get Moving

 God said to Moses: “Why cry out to me? Speak to the Israelites. Order them to get moving. Hold your staff high and stretch your hand out over the sea: Split the sea! The Israelites will walk through the sea on dry ground. Exodus 14:15-16 MSG


Kara was trapped in an abusive marriage, and it took a lot of courage for her to leave the violent situation. There was no way she could do it alone. A compassionate friend provided a place for Kara to stay where she felt safe.

Kara’s story reminds me of the Israelites when they left slavery behind and escaped. When they reached the Red Sea, they felt trapped by the vast expanse of water before them and the Egyptians thundering at their heels behind them. Yet God not only said, “Get moving.” He was with them, providing their escape.

Whatever terrible trouble we are in, we are not alone. God is with us. He goes before us, and He is behind us. Are you in a situation like Kara and the Israelites were? Is God leading you out with the words, “Get moving?”

Every day, my Protector, I seek Your direction of when to stay and when to get moving. Nudge me in the direction You are leading me today, I pray. Amen.

Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters

By B J Bassett



B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.



Saturday, November 2, 2024

Welcome to the Hope Like Wildflowers Celebration Tour! #giveaway!!!

 



About the Book

Book: Hope Like Wildflowers

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release date: October, 2024

An Appalachian Girl Seeks a Place to Belong
Return to the mountains of 1910s Appalachia with beloved author Pepper Basham to discover Kizzie McAdams’s story.

Kizzie McAdams spent her childhood longing to see beyond the mountains of home, but when her job as a servant in a landowner’s house results in an unplanned pregnancy, her world tips into uncertainty and heartbreak. Disowned by her father, she seeks comfort in the arms of the man who promises to take care of her, but his support is conditional and inconsistent. She finds acceptance in the home of a nearby family who not only offer Kizzie friendship but point her to a deeper understanding of God’s love.

Despite her change of heart, her status as a social outcast brings with it continued threats and alienation so she flees her past in hopes of starting over in a nearby town. But her new world carries many of the same prejudices as the old. It also brings the unexpected friendship of businessman Noah Lewis, a man who lives with the same desire as Kizzie for helping the marginalized.

Unfortunately, Kizzie and Noah’s attempts to help those in need pit them against Noah’s elder brother, a powerful mill owner who holds control of the family finances. Is Kizzie and Noah’s growing romance strong enough to battle family power, social expectations, and Kizzie’s past to capture their happy ending? And when Kizzie’s first love returns to claim her, which future will she choose?

 Marilyn's thoughts:   Hope Like Wildflowers is a poignant read set in the Appalachian Mountains.  Kizzie McAdams’s life is like the beautiful wildflowers she has grown up with in her mountain home. She’s been beaten down by life just like flowers being crushed with the elements and mankind but they spring back according to their time of the year. Our heroine finds strength, a loving Christian family to aid her, and new friends on her journey for a better life for others despite all the struggles and prejudices they face.

 

This is a lovely story that brings a true picture of God’s unfailing love that each individual should be respected, shown love and mercy despite their social economic status or the sins they may of committed. Forgiveness, new beginnings and discovering joy and peace is possible that greed, power and wealth cannot truly bring if God isn’t the center, as Basham gently wove into this story.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

 

More from Pepper

It’s pretty easy to overlook wildflowers.

I mean, until they show off all their pretty colors, especially in the middle of a barren place, then they’re noticed and usually appreciated but did you know there’s a lot more to wildflowers that…meets the eye?

Apart from providing food and shelter for smaller animals and/or insects or assisting bees in pollination, wildflowers can be used as an ingredient for healing remedies and contribute to soil health and reduce erosion.

Especially in places where other plants aren’t likely to grow. They’re known as “hardy” because they can survive all sorts of weather conditions, extreme temperature, animal damage, even drought.

So why am I talking about wildflowers??

Because, in lots of ways, wildflowers are a great example of what hope looks like.

  1. Hope nourishes. Romans 15: 14 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” When we recall and reflect on what the Bible says about who we are in Christ, our hearts are encouraged and given the spiritual energy they need to remind ourselves of truth in the middle of hard times and wilderness-living.
  2. Hope spreads – Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” A heart filled with the knowledge of the love of God is a heart filled and “overflowing” with hope…and that hope is contagious. When we know whose we are and what our future looks like because of the One who loves us, we live in joy…even when the storms come.
  3. Hope restores and heals: “Isaiah 40:31 reads, “For those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
  4. Hope protects – Psalm 62:5-6 “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Life is hard. Sometimes, bone-achingly, soul-shakingly hard. If we’re reliant on our own ability to protect our faith or mind or soul, we will fail. We’re not strong enough and neither is any of our human defenses, but God is amply able to protect us from the storms, trials, and droughts that mean to wither our hope. HE is the hero of our heart’s story and he is armed to overcome so we can trust Him with our hope and our futures.
  5. And hope grows in the hard places. Hope does not consist of weak or wishful thinking, it grows out of nutrients squeezed from the soil it has. Hard-won, many times. Romans 5:3-4 “ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” A life with Christ doesn’t mean that pain is taken away, but there is a promise and purpose in the pain. The promise that God is with us and a purpose that He is making us more like Him.

Hope Like Wildflowers tells the story of hope, but the main character, Kizzie, isn’t relying on her own abilities to keep her hope strong. Oh no! She learned to trust in the only One who is strong enough to BE her hope. He nourishes her heart when her life has turned upside down and she’s been forsaken. He restores and heals her when she’s been broken and cast out. He protects her from dangerous men who try to hurt her, but also he protects her heart from choosing the wrong path. And through the hard places of life, Kizzie’s hope overflows in joy to touch the lives of those around her.

And it’s beautiful and unexpected.

Like wildflowers.

How has God helped bring hope to your life? What trials has His hope helped you through?

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Devoted To Hope, November 1

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

Wishful Endings, November 4

Book Looks by Lisa, November 4

Sylvan Musings, November 5

For Him and My Family, November 5

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Blossoms and Blessings, November 6

Connie’s History Classroom, November 7

Labor Not in Vain, November 7

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

An Author’s Take, November 8

Back Porch Reads, November 9

Inklings and Notions, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 10

Pause for Tales, November 11

Just Your Average reviews, November 11

To Everything There Is A Season, November 12

Vicky Sluiter, November 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print 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/00adcf5482


Friday, November 1, 2024

Who the Bishop Knows (Volume 3) (The Amish Bishop Mysteries) by Vannetta Chapman

 


Who the Bishop Knows 

(Volume 3) 

(The Amish Bishop Mysteries)

March 6, 2018

Thursday, October 31, 2024

An Interview with the Authors of The World Rejoices

 

An Interview with the Authors of
The World Rejoices
Holiday activities and gatherings. Trying to align family schedules and expectations. Shopping, baking, cooking, and decorating. Now combine all of that on top of the usual busyness and demands of life. It’s no wonder that we often come into the Christmas season tired, anxious, and overwhelmed. For anyone who can relate, authors Eliza HuieCyndi LogsdonBrook Taylor, and Ashley Arey invite you to take twenty-five days to focus on God’s promise that brings lasting peace, comfort, and joy.
 
The World Rejoices: The Good News of Christmas Devotionalis a practical resource for individuals and families, encouraging a slower December pace while counting down the days to Christmas. Each short daily devotional thought and Scripture reading from the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke guides readers toward a deeper connection with Jesus and a meaningful understanding of the Christmas story. 
 
Q: How did the four of you come together to write The World Rejoices?
 
Brook: Each year our church puts together an Advent devotional for our congregation in an effort to orient our hearts towards Christ during the Christmas season. Two years ago, I was tasked with the responsibility of putting the entire project together within a fairly short amount of time. I could not complete the project alone given the timeframe, so I reached out to three of my closest friends (who are also co-workers) and asked if they’d be willing to team up on the project. They all agreed, and we began the process to write, edit, design, and print the devotional as a gift to our faith family at McLean Bible Church. 
 
Q: What makes The World Rejoices unique from other Christmas devotionals?
 
Brook: The World Rejoices is particularly unique in its appeal to a wide variety of audiences, which sets it apart from other Christmas devotionals. Its family friendly content, multi-denominational appeal, intergenerational approach, and inclusive language make it a great resource for a diverse audience. 
 
Each of us is writing from a different season and situation in life, which makes The World Rejoices a more robust and applicable resource for all readers. It was written with all believers in mind so a single Christian, married couple, family, or any individual of any age can find the content relevant and engaging.
 
Q: What is the format and what can readers expect each day?
 
Eliza: Each day of this 25-day Christmas devotional invites readers to explore the Christmas story from the first two chapters of the book of Luke. This thoughtful approach of unpacking the significance of the story of the birth of Jesus will encourage individuals and families to focus on the true meaning of Christmas in an enjoyable way.
 
This book is also packed with activities to provide an engaging experience during the Advent season. Readers will be guided to engage with the narrative through these simple activities, fostering deeper connection, while reflection questions encourage personal application. This journey gives readers the space to not only reflect but also to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Q: What are some of the activities interspersed through The World Rejoices?
 
Eliza: Some of the activities include prayer prompts, reflection questions, and direction for further reading. Other activities involve the whole family in word searches, I Spy, Ad-libs (an Advent version of Mad Libs), and other Christmas activities for young and old. 
 
Q: The Advent season is busy for all of us. What are some tips for slowing down and enjoying the season?
 
Ashley:​ There are a lot of events, people, and things to do leading up to Christmas that are all important and fill our calendar; the goal is not to eliminate busyness entirely but to create balance and find quiet moments amidst the hustle and bustle. A few ways to sneak in some quiet moments would be to schedule an appointment with yourself every day or set an alarm to take a few minutes to walk through a devotional, write down things you’re grateful for as the year comes to an end, or pray.
 
Using an Advent guide is a great way to set up a rhythm of doing so yourself, with your family, or with friends. Consider adding it to something you’re already doing, like doing a devotional during dinner time, bedtime, or in the morning instead of reading the news. Ultimately, our intimacy with Christ is more important than anything else we could fill our time with, so my encouragement to you would be to fight for it. Say “no” or “wait” to more things this season, and “yes” to what’s most important here, now, and forever.  
 
Q: How does taking a few minutes each day of December to focus on God’s promises help alleviate the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season?  
 
Ashley:​ Taking a few minutes each day to focus on God’s promises offers a powerful antidote to stress, feelings of inadequacy, grief, and more. It’s the light that illuminates the lies we believe: “You’re unloved,” “You’re alone,” “You’re not doing enough,” or “This [insert: thing in my shopping cart/person/position] will finally make me happy.” A heart focused on Jesus brings truth into sharp focus, exposing these lies for what they are. Jesus says, “I love you,” “I am with you and will never leave you,” “You don’t have to earn my love,” and “Simply rest in my presence, and you will be filled with joy.” As the hymn says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Q: A person could easily read through the first two chapters of Luke in a day, which is what readers are invited to do on Christmas. What are the benefits of slowly walking through this passage over twenty-four days?
 
Cyndi: There is a sweet beauty that comes from building habits and rhythms of slowly meditating on God’s Word. His Word is living and active; it changes us. And, we aren’t meant to only be hearers or readers of his Word. We are meant to submit to the authority of his Word in our lives and be obedient responders to what it says. 
 
We want our readers to remember that this passage has a context. It fits into a beautiful story of what God has been doing since before time began. We hope they will savor the beauty of the gospel of Christ and be transformed by it. So, we invite readers to take some time to delight in and treasure the words of Scripture. We break the passage into smaller sections so that every section of this passage is prayerfully considered both on its own, and in light of the bigger story.
Q: We often think in terms of the promises made in the Old Testament being fulfilled by the arrival of Jesus. However, the promises didn’t end there. How does God continue to fulfill promises to us today?
 
Cyndi: Today Jesus both fulfills promises to us, and he fulfills promises through us. One promise that he continues to fulfill is his promise to always be with us (Matthew 28). And we read of a promise he fulfills through us in Luke 24 when we read that he is working today so that the forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations. We are invited to join into that great work as his witnesses. He fulfilled the promise to send us his Spirit who empowers our witness. So, we celebrate what he has done, join in what he is doing, and trust in his promises yet to come. 
 
Q: What is one of your favorite devotionals from the book and why?
 
Ashley: While I don’t think I can truly pick my favorite, I do like the twenty-fourth devotional. It’s truly worshipful to look back over the year and remember God’s goodness, grace, and provision. The Bible calls us to do so because we are all so prone to forget. In addition to looking back, I also like the opportunity to look ahead. Sharing the good news of the gospel is what we are here on Earth to do after all. Heaven is our home, let’s recruit as many people to come with us as possible!
 
Cyndi: I enjoy the reminder in Day 15 of the change in the life of Zechariah. This man who once couldn’t speak because he didn’t believe the Lord’s message is now blessing God and prophesying. Oh, the hope that brings to my own feeble unbelief! May we read this devotion and bless the Lord together.
 
Eliza: For me the words from Day 2 are words I need all year long. It starts with the words “How long...” and it goes on to talk about how two people prayed for a child for so long and saw no answer to their prayers. We all long for the words of the angel, “Your prayers have been answered,” to be true in areas of our lives. This devotional reading is an encouragement to me to not give up on praying for things because God hears, and he will answer in his timing. 
 
Brook: Each of the devotionals impact me differently, depending on when I read it and what is going on in my life. However, Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-56 has always been a favorite part of the Christmas story, so I’d have to choose Day 13. Mary’s immediate response to praise God in the middle of uncertainty and the reminder that God sees her is a message I never tire of hearing. 
 
Q: If a church would like to get copies of The World Rejoices for their members to read together like your own congregation did when you first wrote the book, what is the best way for them to be able to do that?
 
Our publisher, New Growth Press, has five and ten packs of the book available for up to 40% off so that you can purchase as gifts, for a book club, or your congregation. For larger orders, you can contact their customer service department for details on bulk pricing (customerservice@newgrowthpress.com).
The World Rejoices: The Good News of Christmas Devotional
by Eliza Huie, Cyndi Logsdon, Brook Taylor, and Ashley Arey
Foreword by David Platt
August 19, 2024 / Retail Price: $16.99
Print ISBN:978-1-64507-423-6
Religion / Holidays / Christmas & Advent
About the Authors
Eliza Huie, MA, LCPC, is the Director of Counseling at McLean Bible Church in Vienna, VA, and teaches biblical counseling at Metro Baltimore Seminary. She is the author of several books, including Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids, the minibook Teens and Anxiety, and is coauthor of The Whole Life. Eliza and her husband, Ken, have three grown children and two daughters-in-law. (Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram)
 
Cyndi Logsdon and her husband have spent the past twenty years loving and serving the church around the world. They currently live in Istanbul, Turkey, where her husband serves as the pastor of an English-speaking church in a vibrant megacity. Cyndi and her husband have two grown daughters and a son-in-law.(Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram)
 
Brook Taylor obtained a BA in Early Childhood Education before moving overseas with her family to plant churches in the Middle East. She’s a pastor’s wife, mom of five spirited boys, and a children’s ministry director at McLean Bible Church. (Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram)
 
Ashley Arey is a business owner who provides branding, and visual and strategic communication services to businesses, ministries, and churches. She currently resides in the DC area with her husband and two sons. (Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram)

Welcome to the Serenity's Secret Celebration Tour! #giveaway!!!!

  About the Book Book:  Serenity’s Secret (The Heart of the Amish Book 6) Author:  Lisa Jones Baker Genre:  Amish/Christian Fiction Release ...