Thursday, September 14, 2023

Building Character through Picture Books Epic Book Launch!

Here's a peek inside this neat book!

Think About It:

1. Which person would you most like to be in this story? Why?

2. Whose job is most important in this story?

3. God gives each of us a job to do to be part of the Church. He says the church is like a body where each part has its job. What happens when each part of your body works well?

4. What happens when one part doesn’t do what it’s supposed to?

5. If everyone does their part, the church blesses people, and God’s will is done. Do you think God is happy when everyone does their part?

6. When each person does their part in the story, what happens to others in the story?

7. We never know how God is going to use our lives. We must simply obey Him and His word. In doing that, we help people know Jesus.

Everything you say and everything you do
should be done for Jesus your Lord.

(Colossians 3:17a, ERV)

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan. (Romans 8:28, ERV)

Did you miss an expert?

"Missed Any Excerpts"?

Excerpt One: https://travelerswife4life.com/building-character-through-picture-books/

Excerpt Two: http://kid-lit.library-lady.blog/epic-book-launch-and-excerpt-building-character-through-picture-books-devotional/

Excerpt Three: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2023/09/building-character-through-picture.html

Excerpt Four: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2023/09/epic-book-launch-building-character.html

Excerpt Five: https://carolkeen.blogspot.com/2023/09/building-character-through-picture.html

Excerpt Six: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2023/09/building-character-through-picture.html

Excerpt Seven: https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/2023/09/14/building-character-through-picture-books-book-launch-with-celebrate-lit/

I Can't Believe They're Gone by Karen Brough

About the Book

Book: I Can’t Believe They’re Gone

Author: Karen Brough

Genre: Children’s Picture Books

Release Date: June, 2023

The mouse family has lost someone dear.

Come follow each one as Bear helps them understand all they are feeling and how each expresses it in their own unique way. Tiny is so quiet, I wonder if Bear will be able to help him too?

Click here to get you copy!

My Review

I have recently had some more people in my life pass, and I know I'm grieving. I figured this children's book wouldn't be bad for me to read. The Mouse family has suffered a loss, but we aren't sure who they lost. It's a generic loss, which I understand but would have driven me crazy as a child without an adult explaining more. That can be an interactive tool, with the help of an adult. The story clearly shows each character dealing with grief in a different way, cooking, cleaning, or with Tiny, just withdrawn and depressed. The Bear is the wise councilor in this tale, but I struggled with the Bear's answer to the grieving mouse family members. That stated, the ending was creative and very good, very pro-active. There aren't really any faith elements in this story, so you will have to add that in for your children. The only upside of that is that this will work for a bigger audience.

4 Stars

About the Author

Karen Brough is an award-winning author who calls Australia home. As a wife, mother of three and former teacher, she writes with a teacher’s heart for children. Karen always knew she would write a book about processing loss and grief, so she became a student of the science of grief. When Karen lost a beloved friend in 2022, she turned to writing as part of her grieving process. This story is the result—a hope investment from her heart to yours. She believes it will help others know they are not alone in their loss and reassure those who don’t know what to do with all their big emotions.

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 3

Vicky Sluiter, September 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 4

Texas Book-aholic, September 5

Blossoms and Blessings, September 6 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 8

Guild Master, September 9 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 10

A Reader’s Brain , September 11 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, September 12

Splashes of Joy, September 13 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, September 13

Blogging With Carol, September 14

For Him and My Family, September 15

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/278c2/i-can-t-believe-they-re-gone-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, September 10, 2023

The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel (Heroines of WWII Book 11)

About the Book

Book: The Starlet Spy

Authors: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: August, 2023

Hollywood Star Turns Spy

In 1943, movie producer Henrik Zoltan approaches Amelie Blake under the guise of offering the Hollywood star a leading part in his upcoming film, but he has a more meaningful role in mind. Amelie’s homeland of Sweden declared neutrality in the war, but Stockholm has become the “Casablanca of the North.” When top-secret atomic research goes missing in Sweden, the Allied forces scramble to recover the files before they fall into Nazi hands.

The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) needs someone who’s subtle enough to spy on the Swedish elite without triggering suspicion. Who better than the “all beauty, no brains” Scandinavian starlet? Fluent in three languages and possessing a brilliant memory, Amelie loathes being labeled witless but uses the misconception as her disguise. She’s tasked with searching for the crucial files, but Fynn Ristaffason keeps getting in her way. Is the charming shipping magnate after the missing research? Or does he have other reasons for showing up at her every turn?

With the Gestapo on her heels, Amelie must rely on her smarts in addition to her acting skills to survive a world of deadly spies and counterspies.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

The time was 1943, and ironically I have family that was born in that year! Amelie Blake is working on the big screen. Sure, she's blonde and becoming a huge hit, but how does that help the war effort? What can she do to do more? Amelie made me think of an upgraded Marylin Monroe, but I don't object to that at all. Much more than just a dizzy blonde, this chick is following God, and then comes a role that requires that ditzy persona to do crazy things, being a spy! It's the perfect cover. With all this going on, there's still a romance, and so much that's funny in this story. Faith wasn't left out at all. Research was put into this as some famous people had brief cameos in this story. Packed with more suspense than I expected this new to me author and story won me over, quickly.

5 Stars

About the Author

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.

More from Rachel

Setting The Starlet Spy in Sweden

Hej! If you’ve ever been to Ikea, then you know that’s the Swedish greeting for Hello! Prior to writing The Starlet Spy, my knowledge of the Swedish culture was limited. It seemed I wasn’t alone. Early last year, I held a poll on my social media asking if anyone had ever read a book set in Sweden. A sweeping majority said no.

Since all of my previous books are set in the United States, this is my first novel with an international setting. So I immersed myself into research. I read books about the country, watched videos, followed Swedish Instagrammers to learn more about the language. And let me tell you, I totally fell in love with this Scandinavian world. It is now on my bucket list to visit because it’s just that gorgeous. I wrote The Starlet Spywith a romantic adventure vibe. I wanted to take the reader on a tour of this amazing country, from the classically beautiful Stockholm, to the quaint fishermen city of Malmo, to the ancient streets of Sigtuna—one of Sweden’s oldest villages—to the brilliant Northern Lights in the Lapland region.

Not only did I want to paint the scene of these various places, but I also wanted to introduce the Swedish culture. Tucked within the pages of The Starlet Spy, the reader will find traces of Scandinavian folklore and legends, which was super fun to explore. But to be honest, my favorite inclusion of Swedish culture was incorporating a traditional dance—the Hambo! It’s such an interesting and unique dance, and I may have been trying to coax my husband into trying it with me for an Instagram Reel, but so far, no such luck! Though I have no problem getting him to enjoy Fika with me. Fika, my friends, is a coffee break, or simply coffee. Just as the British favor their tea, the Swedes are adamant about their fika. So I can most definitely relate.

If all this intrigues you, I welcome you to read The Starlet Spy. It’s set in 1943, which was a pivotal time for Sweden during World War II. If you’ve read my previous stories, you know how much I love to weave as much true history into the chapters. This book has by far the most!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 29

lakesidelivingsite, August 29

Lily’s Book Reviews, August 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31

Back Porch Reads, September 1

annette_reads_daily, September 1

Texas Book-aholic, September 2

Cathe Swanson, September 2

Book Looks by Lisa, September 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 3

Christina’s Corner, September 3

Connie’s History Classroom, September 4

Kristina Hall, September 4

The Book Club Network, September 5

Pause for Tales, September 5

Happily Managing A Household of Boys, September 5

Cover Lover Book Review, September 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 7 (Author Interview)

The Book Nook, September 7

Betti Mace, September 8

Labor Not in Vain, September 8

Just Your Average reviews, September 8

Simple Harvest Reads, September 9 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, September 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 9

Blogging With Carol, September 10

For Him and My Family, September 10

Holly’s Book Corner, September 11

Lights in a Dark World, September 11

Books I’ve Read, September 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/278bf/the-starlet-spy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

The Persistent Road by Tim Bishop

About the Book

Book: The Persistent Road

Author: Tim Bishop

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction/outdoor adventure

Release Date: June 20, 2023

After losing all he once cherished, Doug Zimmer follows his wife’s parting bread crumbs and rides up the Pacific coast—on a bicycle. Armed with a revolver and only a vague plan to get through the months ahead, he aims to end his depression one way or the other.

As spiritual forces wrangle for his soul, he pedals eastward across America. He meets Lauren Baumgartner—a younger adventurer with a vibrant spirit—and a band of zealots who confront his aversion to religion. Accompanying Doug are not only sunny days and the beauty of nature but also the perils of the road, fellow travelers with their own stories, and the hollow silence of solitary campsites playing host to unseen creatures of the night.

A jarring episode on a climb through a treacherous pass brings Doug face-to-face with life and death. Will Doug’s adventure deliver him from loneliness and lament . . . or hurtle him to an abrupt end?

Click here to get your copy!

The title of this book might not pull you in, but this story, will. This story is filled with hope, even while our main character struggles on his journey, both the physical and spiritual trip he's on. I think if everyone were honest, we have all thought about dying at some point. That coupled with recent losses made it even easier for me to connect to Doug. His motivation, his very soul it feels like, has left him. In the midst of such great loss, he's finding not just hope but the most amazing journey with twists and truths, emotions that are all over the place, and most of all, hope, healing, and forgiveness all because He first loved us.

5 Stars

About the Author

After a thirty-year career in business, TIM BISHOP left his corporate treasurer position, married his dream girl, and embarked with her to parts unknown—on bicycles. Ten thousand miles later, the first-time newlyweds have written four books about their cycling adventures. Their devotional, Wheels of Wisdom, won four first-place book awards. Publishers Weekly dubbed it “a road map for life.”

Tim volunteers as a coach for a ministry that reaches people who are dealing with challenging life issues. He has written numerous articles for various Christian content providers and has been a part of three church plants. These faith experiences have given him an evangelist’s heart to reach people in creative ways.

A graduate of the University of Maine, a CPA, and a three-time Maine chess champion, Tim and his wife, Debbie, live in Middle Tennessee. Connect with him at TimBishopWrites.com or follow @TimBishopWrites on social media.

More from Tim

After three decades chained to a desk in corporate business, I didn’t expect to land here. But now, I’m an author with a debut novel! The road I traveled has been as circuitous as the ones my wife, Debbie, and I bicycled to cross America on our honeymoon. The author part makes sense: I exited corporate life with writing as a primary interest and at least one business book inside me. I also have a passion to share my faith. But a novel? From someone who hadn’t read them since high school?

I’ve since addressed my reading deficiency, but I would like to share with you how The Persistent Road came about.

Shortly after marrying in 2010, I joined Debbie as a hope coach to young people struggling with life. Our third bicycle odyssey, which we embarked on in 2014, was a fundraiser for the organization we volunteered for as coaches. No shortage of financial need there, and few people knew about the hidden gem of a service. Thus, TheHopeLine Tour came to be. We bicycled to our hearts’ content, blogged daily, and pitched our cause.

On day thirteen, things took an intense turn. A man in Richland, Oregon, spilled out his anger upon entering a restaurant. A religious sect at a campground the night before had cornered him with their preaching. We left that restaurant aghast. What had happened in the man’s life to make him so belligerent to matters of faith? The following day, we met him trying to pedal his heavy recumbent bicycle out of – all places – Hells Canyon.

We arrived home two months and three thousand miles later with a bevy of stories brimming with “God moments.” They breathed life into what would become Wheels of Wisdom. Yet that angry man’s screaming echoed in my mind. His unwitting cries for help became lesson 36 in our seeker’s devotional. I called it simply “Hells Canyon.”

My curiosity still wasn’t satisfied. What had happened to make this man react the way he did? And what became of him as he journeyed the perilous roads across America? The Persistent Road answers those questions!

I’ve since landed at another coaching service that welcomes all comers regardless of age. What I’ve learned as a coach and a long-distance traveler by bicycle saturates the pages of my novel. It’s just another example of God’s mysterious ways, of how He uses whatever He pours into us when we ride with Him.