Month: August 2018

Chasing Embers – Celebrate Lit – Giveaway

Chasing Embers FB Banner copy

About the Book

Chasing Embers

Book Title: Chasing Embers (Heart Ranch, Book 2)

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Romance / Contemporary Western

Release date: August 20, 2018

ANNABELLE HART thought owning the family ranch would be everything she ever dreamed of and more. The Montana wilderness has always flowed like blood through her veins, but she can’t understand why her heart feels so empty inside.

Three years after leaving Montana to become a wild land firefighter, COLTON BROOKS still dreams about the girl he left behind at Hart Ranch. He prays for her happiness, believing she deserves someone better than him, but doubts he will ever love again.

When their paths intersect again, will the embers of their past romance be rekindled, or will an unexpected disaster change life as they know it forever?

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Review

Rachel delivers another solid sweet romance sure to brighten up your TBR pile. I always cheer when and independent story is one I’d recommend and hope that more people take a chance on an indie author. In this case, Rachel balances  the sweetness with a little action on the overland fire fighting front with enough tension to keep you turning the page but not so much as to overwhelm the story.

I like how Rachel uses Belle’s relationship with Ian to further her character growth. In addition, I liked Ian and still like Belle, even with her confused feelings, which can be hard to pull off in a love triangle; often there’s someone you end up not liking. In fact, I would like to see Ian get his happily ever after. He seems like a good guy, if a bit of a fast mover.

I got a little frustrated with Colton; he saw the happiness of his parents marriage, but was so reluctant. While I understand his sentiment (I’ve also lost my dad and watched my mom grieve) and asked myself often if it was worth it, I knew in the end that it was. Though, my perspective might be a bit different as I was already married. But, they saying “It’s better to have loved and have lost than never have loved at all” is around for a reason. (I admit there are times when not true, but this isn’t that case!) At least he came around eventually and we got to meet his sisters!

I’d encourage you to pick this one up when you need the contented smile that sweet reads bring.

I received a copy of this book for the purposes of this tour. All opinions are honest and my own.

About the Author

Rachel Skatvold Author Bio Pic

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the second book in her new Hart Ranch Series. She is also a contributing author in the 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.

Guest Post from Rachel

Chasing Embers is a sequel I have been excited to write since the release of Escaping Reality over two years ago. To be honest, while writing book one, I thought it would just be a standalone story and not part of a series. However, Logan’s strong-willed little sister, Belle, was determined to have her own story and I’m thrilled that she is finally getting one!

One of the theme verses from Chasing Embers is Ephesians 3:20, which says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” In the story, the characters go through some trials that seem impossible to overcome. In order to keep their loved ones and the ranch safe, the Hart family must cling tightly to their faith and trust that God always keeps his promises. The events of the story also serve as a reminder that God can do mighty things through us if we allow him to.

Chasing Embers is a heartwarming tale of lost love, second chances and choosing to love even when it is difficult. Be prepared to laugh, cry and rejoice with Belle and Colton as you read their love story. To find out more about Chasing Embers by Rachel Skatvold, read the summary above.

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, August 23

Among the Reads, August 23

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, August 24

The Christian Fiction Girl, August 25

Blossoms and Blessings, August 25

Bibliophile Reviews, August 26

Janices book reviews, August 27

Kat’s Corner Books, August 28

Daysong Reflections, August 28

Luv’N Lambert Life, August 29

Remembrancy, August 29

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 30

proud to be an autism mom, August 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31

Texas Book-aholic, September 1

Carpe Diem, September 2

A Baker’s Perspective, September 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 4

Bigreadersite, September 4

Giveaway

amazon gift card 50

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize of a $30 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/d1f3/chasing-emberscelebration-tour-giveaway

 

Thirst of Steel

thirst of steel square

Military suspense. A genre that I never thought I’d get into, but I SO AM. I was super excited to be able to join Ronie’s QRF team for the release of Thirst of Steel. A little history: I received the second book in the Tox Files at CFRR and finally we started into the series in June knowing we wouldn’t have to wait long for the conclusion.

One thing is for certain: it was worth the wait.

About the Book

thirst of steelDismantled centuries ago, the sword of Goliath is still rumored to thirst for its enemies’ blood. Cole “Tox” Russell only wants to begin his life with Haven Cortes, but he must first complete a final mission: retrieve that sword and destroy the deadly Arrow & Flame Order. 

The AFO, however, is determined to claim the sword. Wielding their father’s life over Tzivia and Ram Khalon, they threaten to expose Ram’s long-held and dangerous secret while demanding Tzivia locate the sword. With the Wraith team slowly being torn apart, things only worsen when Mercy Maddox, a new operative, emerges with the stunning news that the sword is tied to both Ram’s secret and a string of unsolved serial murders. 

Tox, Ram, and the others are forced to set aside fear and anger to focus only on the enemy. No matter the cost, Wraith must stop or take the enemy down with them.

My Review

First off – highest praise – for the whole month before it arrived, hubs was asking me every couple days when it would get here. That tells you something; hubs never asks me when a book is going to get here. He usually smiles that “ok dear” smile when I geek about book mail. He hasn’t read it yet, but I’ll update this with his thoughts once he does!

Thirst 3

I love these characters. All of them. Getting to know them better over the course of the series and watch how they’ve grown and developed has been awesome. I’m not sure I’d call them friends because most of them terrify me, but they’re like a comfortable super intense skin. (Sidenote – LOL – I asked hubs his opinion here, and he responded, “They are friends! …they just happen to kill people.”)

I have been waiting for Ram’s story from the very beginning; rooting for his HEA. There are some twists and it didn’t end how I thought it would, but it ended well. You know that feeling when you finish a story and you just sit there with your mouth kind of open going “wow?” That’s this story. Be forewarned that this book is going to hit all your feels. Ronie is a talented storyteller who pulls you into the characters’ lives so well that you feel all of the events with them.

With every book in this series, I’ve been a little more in awe of how Ronie can take a Biblical story and weave it into a fictional account, threading the struggle of real faith in a hard world throughout. Her characters aren’t perfect Christians – they’re gritty and honest. I’m really hoping we can revisit some of the more minor characters in another series.

If you’ve never tried military suspense, I hope you will give Tox and the other members of Team Wraith a try!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher, but this is my honest opinion.

About the Author

Ronie Kendig

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author of over twenty titles. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband live a short train ride from New York City with their children and retired military working dog. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters. Visit Ronie online at:

www.roniekendig.com

FB: RapidFireFiction

Twitter: @RonieKendig

Instagram: @kendigronie

Top Ten Tuesday – Favorite Book Blogs/Bookish Websites

toptentuesday

I’m all in for this top ten, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. At first I thought, “How am supposed to pick ONLY 10.” But, then as I really started thinking through it for my favorites, the ones I check frequently, the list shrunk. Secretly, I’m sitting here hoping I’ll show up on someone else’s list 🙂 In no particular order:

Reading Is My Super Power and Just Commonly

I’m putting Carrie and Annie on the same line because they should be on everyone’s list as go-to blogs for new reads. If you haven’t met them yet, they’re awesome and make sure to sign up for #2 so you can meet them…

Christian Fiction Readers Retreat

If you haven’t been yet, you should put it on your schedule and go register! It’s an amazing event, founded by Annie, Carrie, and Bonnie (something about the -ie). The CFRR blog is filled with fantastic interviews from several authors who have visited CFRR. Registration is almost full, so hope on the train soon!

Popular Books Sites

…like Amazon, Goodreads, etc. You all know them. I thought about not including them at all, but they’re important for readers to be able to see reviews for books they’re considering and are even more critical for authors to get new readers.

Novelly Yours

…because who doesn’t want a delicious smelling book boyfriend?

Etsy

Because you can find about any bookish item you want on Etsy. Quote art? Check! Pillow with clever bookish puns? Check! Cross stitch, pendants, mugs? Check, Check, Check!

Pinterest

Kind of like Etsy in that you can find photos of anything bookish. I’ve entertained myself during many random waiting periods by reading book memes.

Kristi Ann Hunter’s Instagram

Entertaining. Also her Good Little Reader’s Group on Facebook. Kristi is one of the most active authors I follow on FB, which as a reader is cool and makes me feel like we’re friends.

Karen Witemeyer’s Reader Group

Also on Facebook. Karen is another author who does an fantastic job interacting with her readers in the reader group, especially since she’s newer to the FB group world.

Celebrate Lit Publicity Group

As a blogger, part of the fun is getting to read books and help authors promote them Celebrate Lit is who I most often tour with, finding new authors and more good books than I would on my own.

For The Love of Christian Fiction

Ok, technically, I stalk Alysha’s Instragram feed. Mostly because I’m jealous in awe of her bookstagrams and can only hope one day I’ll be half as good.

 

Hope you found a few new sites to check out!

A Promise Forged- Celebrate Lit – Giveaway

A Promise Forged FB Banner copy

About the Book

A Promise Forged

Book Title: A Promise Forged

Author: Cara Putman

Genre: World War 2 Romance

Release date: Originally released in 2010, Re-released in 2017

Kat transformed in front of him. Her chin came up, her fingers stopped twitching with the fabric of her gown, and a real sparkle bubbled in her eyes. It was like watching Snow White come to life when the prince kissed her.

A heartwarming WWII historical from award-winning author Cara Putman:

Kat Miller has dreamed of playing baseball her entire life. When she earns a spot on a team in the All-American Girls Professional Softball League, she finds that things aren’t as glamorous as she imagined. She struggles with long road trips, grueling practices, and older teammates who are jealous of her success. And to top it all off, an irritating reporter is constantly getting under Kat’s skin.

Events in Jack Raymond’s career have left him cynical and distanced from God. He never wanted to write at a small paper, and he certainly didn’t want to be assigned to something as inconsequential as a women’s softball team. Then Kat walks into his life. The fiery, young softball player somehow climbs the walls around his heart and makes him want to hope again.

When lies fly and the league appears to fail, will Kat and Jack’s new love survive?

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Review – kind of

She has the name Kat! Squee! For those of you who follow my FB and Insta pages, you know it’s been a rough month in Kat’s Corner. Any prayers are appreciated! I’m thankful to the awesome Celebrate Lit team and Care for understanding I haven’t read the book yet. BUT, I haven’t met a Cara book I didn’t like, I am  looking forward to reading this one as well (otherwise I wouldn’t sign up for the tour!). So please, take a look at the other bloggers’ reviews and pick this one up. I’m sure it’s awesome. I’ll get mine up as soon as I’m able.

You want to hear an odd thing? or rather a God thing? For some reason this spring and early summer I just felt that whisper that said not to sign up for tours in July. I looked at a few that sounded like cool stories, but that whisper would come. I am so glad I listened now! I’ve missed to many posts.

About the Author

cara putman

Since the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara has wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing award-winning books. She is currently working on book 30 and 31.

Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW, and currently serves on its Executive Board. She has also been the Indiana ACFW chapter president and served as the Area Coordinator for Indiana.

Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School, and Krannert School of Management. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com <http://www.caraputman.com/>.

Guest Post from Cara

Each of my books starts with a hook that engages my interest, and then as I play with it, I think it will engage readers. A Promise Forged was no different. For this book I was writing a series of three World War II novels for Barbour. I already had two historical hooks that fascinated me: children evacuated from London to Ohio, a top secret project to break Engima in Dayton, but I needed one more. I knew the lead characters were going to be siblings, but I wasn’t sure what to do with the kid sister. Then I remembered the All-American Girls Professional Softball/Baseball League.

And I started thinking.

What would it have been like to desperately want a chance to play a sport you loved professionally?

And to be part of the nascent league when no one was sure whether it was a good or bad idea?

I decided that was the perfect place for Kat. She was the kid sister with fire and passion. She wanted a chance to prove herself, and this would be the perfect place. Then she needed a hero worthy of her. One who could go toe-to-toe with her and still see who she could be.

He came in the form of Jack, a cynical reporter who is disappointed to be assigned to cover girls’ baseball. But then he gets to know Kat and some of the others. And he sees something in her that she doesn’t see in herself. It’s the beginning of fireworks that he doesn’t think can go anywhere because she has to go home to her senior year of high school.

As I began researching the history of the league, I learned that the AAGPS/BL archives were kept at a small museum in South Bend, a couple hours from where I live. I spent a day there talking with the curator and exploring all the records. Because the league wasn’t expected to last there weren’t many records from the first year. That meant I had to guess about some things like schedules based on what happened in the years after.

A Promise Forged became a book I loved writing. Kat was feisty, Jack was cynical, and baseball provided a great setting. I can’t believe this football loving woman can admit that!

Blog Stops

History, Mystery & Faith, August 4

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 4

Among the Reads, August 4

The Power of Words, August 4

C Jane Read, August 5

The Christian Fiction Girl, August 5

Christian Bookaholic, August 5

Texas Book-aholic, August 5

Reading Is My SuperPower, August 6

Genesis 5020, August 6

lady ansel book vibes, August 6

Kat’s Corner Books, August 7

Carpe Diem, August 7

proud to be an autism mom, August 7

Janices book reviews, August 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 8

A Baker’s Perspective, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 8

Mary Hake, August 8

By The Book, August 9

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, August 9

Simple Harvest Reads, August 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, August 10

Lighthouse Academy, August 10

Remembrancy, August 10

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 10

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, August 11

100 Pages per Hour, August 11

Luv’N Lambert Life, August 11

Bigreadersite, August 11

Godly Book Reviews, August 12

Cafinated Reads, August 12

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 12

A Reader’s Brain, August 13

a good book and cup of tea, August 13

Book by Book, August 13

All-of-a-kind Mom, August 14

Maureen’s Musings, August 14

Daysong Reflections, August 14

The Morning Chapter, August 15

amandainpa, August 15

Inklings and notions, August 15

Connie’s History Classroom, August 16

All 4 and About Books, August 16

Bibliophile Reviews, August 16

Pause for Tales, August 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 17

For the Love of Books, August 17

Giveaway

a promise forged

To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize that includes the movie League of Their Own, a box of cracker jacks, M&Ms and a $20 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d2ac/a-promise-forged-celebration-tour-giveaway