Book Spotlight: Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Love and Other Mistakes

By Jessica Kate

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback, Audiobook, and ebook, 352 Pages

July 30th 2019 by Thomas Nelson

Jessica Kate’s hilarious, romantic debut novel proves that some mistakes—including love—are begging to be made again and again.

Natalie Groves once had big dreams. But soon after her fiancé, Jeremy Walters, inexplicably broke off their engagement and left town, her father was diagnosed with cancer. Now tasked with keeping her family afloat, Natalie’s grand plans have evaporated . . . and God feels very far away.

Fast-forward seven years, and Jeremy is back in Charlottesville with an infant son and years of regrets. When his niece, Lili, lands on his doorstep in need of a place to stay, Jeremy needs help—and fast.

An internship opening finally presents Natalie a chance at her dream job, but she needs a second income to work around it—and the only offer available is Jeremy’s. They could be the solutions to one another’s problems, provided they don’t kill each other in the process. When they join forces, sparks fly. But they both know there’s a thin line between love and hate . . . and that love will turn out to be the best decision—or the biggest mistake—of all.

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Question for Jessica:

Did you have a favorite character in this novel and who is it?

Jessica: This is a weird answer, but NICK! I know, he’s not a main character, but this teen math nerd has a Nirvana T-shirt, knows how to hot wire a car, and raises baby chickens as a surprise to cheer up his mother. He’s such a sweetie pie!

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Praise for the Book

“A stunning debut . . . This tale of love and redemption will stay with you long after you've closed the book. A must-read.” —Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress

“Witty. Charming. Heartfelt. I could go on and on about Jessica Kate’s debut novel. From its highly relatable characters to its pitch-perfect dialogue, Love and Other Mistakes is a delightful, romantic read filled with just the right amount of sass. I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud as I watched Natalie and Jem navigate their relationships, careers, and faith. Definitely one of the most enjoyable books I've read lately, and I can't wait to see what’s next from Jessica Kate!” —Melissa Tagg, Carol Award–winning author of Now and Then and Always and the Walker Family series

“Love and Other Mistakes wraps a poignant and warm look at relationships within a smart, sly, and knowing comedic voice. Readers of Sally Thorne and Bethany Turner will be immediately at home with Natalie: an all-too-real heroine who balances whip-smart agency with an endearing vulnerability and whose intersection with long-lost Jeremy helps her forge a path to confidence and discover the woman she was always meant to be. Kate’s unputdownable debut recognizes that all human relationships—familial, friendship, romantic—are worth the keen eye and clever insight of her talented pen.” —Rachel McMillan, author of the Van Buren and DeLuca Mysteries

“If you’re looking for a story with sass on top of style, or a fresh voice pumped full of fun, you need to read Love and Other Mistakes. Then after you’ve enjoyed this—and I’m confident you will—make a date with whatever this exciting new author writes next!” —David Rawlings, author of The Baggage Handler

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iBooks│Kobo│GooglePlay

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About the Author

Australian author Jessica Kate is obsessed with sassy romances. 

She packs her novels with love, hate, and everything in between—and then nerds out over her favorite books, movies and TV in the StoryNerds podcast. When she’s not writing or discussing fiction, she’s hunting the world for the greatest pasta in existence.

Her debut novel Love and Other Mistakes releases July 2019, while A Girl’s Guide to the Outback hits shelves in January 2020.

Receive her sassy short The Kiss Dare FREE when you sign up for her newsletter at jessicakatewriting.com. StoryNerds podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at www.storynerds.podbean.com.

Website│Goodreads│BookBub│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│Newsletter

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Tour Schedule

Author Interview & Giveaway: A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan

Welcome to the Blink Summer Reading Tour for A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan, hosted by The Fantastic Flying Book Club!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Touch of Gold

Author: Annie Sullivan 

Publisher: BLINK

Release Date: August 14, 2018  

Genre: YA Fiction - Mythology/Retelling

King Midas once had the ability to turn all he touched into gold. But after his gift—or curse—almost killed his daughter, Midas relinquished The Touch forever. Ten years later, Princess Kora still bears the consequences of her father’s wish: her skin shines golden, rumors follow her everywhere she goes, and she harbors secret powers that are getting harder to hide.

Kora spends her days locked in the palace, concealed behind gloves and veils, trying to ignore the stares and gossip of courtiers. It isn’t until a charming young duke arrives that Kora realizes there may be someone out there who doesn’t fear her or her curse. But their courtship is disrupted when a thief steals precious items from the kingdom, leaving the treasury depleted and King Midas vulnerable. Thanks to her unique ability to sense gold, Kora is the only one who can track the thief down. As she sails off on her quest, Kora learns that not everything is what it seems—not thieves, not pirates, and not even curses. She quickly discovers that gold—and the power it brings—is more dangerous than she’d ever believed.
Midas learned his lesson at a price. What will Kora’s journey cost?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Annie Sullivan is a Young Adult author from Indianapolis, Indiana. Her work has been featured in Curly Red Stories and Punchnels. She loves fairytales, everything Jane Austen, and traveling and exploring new cultures. When she’s not off on her own adventures, she’s teaching classes at the Indiana Writers Center and working as the Copy Specialist at John Wiley and Sons, Inc. publishing company, having also worked there in Editorial and Publicity roles. You can follow her adventures on Twitter and Instagram (@annsulliva).

CONNECT WITH ANNIE: Twitter | Instagram

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH ANNIE SULLIVAN:

Did a specific event, idea, or person inspire A Touch of Gold?

Annie: The book was actually inspired by the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. I kept seeing all that cursed gold, which led me to thinking about King Midas and all his gold…and whether or not it might be cursed. From there, I jumped into wondering about his daughter, who he turns to gold. I always wondered what happened to her after that, so I gave her her own story.

How long did it take you to write this novel?

Annie: It took me about 2 years to write because I was writing it on and off while I was in graduate school getting a master’s degree in creative writing. Now, I can write a book much faster than that—in a matter of months!

What was something surprising you learned while researching/writing this novel?

Annie: I was just surprised to see how many versions of the King Midas myth existed out in the universe. Some included his daughter. Some didn’t. Some had satyrs. Some didn’t. One might give one reason for asking for his golden touch while another would give a different reason. So it was really cool to take the elements I thought would fit a fantasy world best and turn them into the plot of A Touch of Gold.

Do you have a favorite character in Touch of Gold?

Annie: Oh, that’s such a hard one! I think I’d have to go with Princess Kora, King Midas’s daughter, because she’s such a dynamic character. She goes from having to live a sheltered life to having to race out to face pirates to save her kingdom and her father’s stolen gold. I love that she finds her own strength along the way. But I have to say that I do love her cousin Hettie who is just a firecracker of a character and two twins who make an appearance who always seem to have some sort of scheme up their sleeves.

What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

Annie: I want readers to take away that they do have the inner strength to succeed. I want them to realize that maybe something they saw as a flaw in themselves might actually turn out to be their greatest strength. When they come back to the world, I hope they are a little more hopeful, a little more sure in themselves, and a little more certain that good can defeat evil.

Can you share a book you are currently reading or have read recently?

Annie: I just finished the last book in the Caraval series and loved it!!! Stephanie Garber created such a rich world with swoon-worthy characters, and I wish I didn’t have to leave that world!

What hobbies do you enjoy when you aren't writing?

Annie: I’m not sure it counts as a hobby, but I love traveling! I’ve been to every continent and about 60 countries. I love seeing new landscapes and meeting new people. But I also have regular hobbies like binge watching TV, reading, baking desserts, and running.

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TOUR SCHEDULE:

July 22

That Artsy Reader Girl - Summer Reading Tour Kick-Off

July 23

Pages & Pugs - Book Review of Pretty In Punxsutawney + Favorite Quotes

Mangeuse de Livres - Q and A with Annie Sullivan (French and English)

Moonlight Rendezvous - Book Review of Meet the Sky + Favorite Quotes
Musings of a (Book) Girl - Christina June Guest Post

Ohana Cascadia - Book Review of Meet the Sky + Favorite Quotes

A Bronx Latina Reads - Book Review of Pretty In Punxsutawney

Nay's Pink Bookshelf - Book Review of Swing + Favorite Quotes

Taylor Fenner's Bookish World - Book Review of A Touch of Gold

Kayla Reads and Reviews - Book Review of Swing + Creative Post
Savings In Seconds - Book Review of Meet the Sky

July 24

J.R.'s Book Reviews - Book Review of A Touch of Gold

Book-Keeping - Book Review of Meet the Sky

Musings of a (Book) Girl - Interview with Laurie Boyle Crompton
Lifestyle of Me - Book Review of No Place Like Here
Shelf-Rated - Book Review of Pretty In Punxsutawney + Favorite Quotes

Reading Authors Network - Book Review of Swing
Read At Night - Interview with Christina June

YA/NA Book Divas - Book Review of Swing

Cinnamon Summers - Book Review of No Place Like Here + Favorite Quotes
Inky Moments - Creative Post

July 25

Marshmallow Pudding - Christina June Guest Post

Never Too Many to Read - Creative Post for No Place Like Here
Ohana Cascadia - Book Review of Swing + Favorite Quotes
Nay's Pink Bookshelf - Book Review of Pretty In Punxsutawney + Favorite Quotes
FictitiousWonderland - Book Review + Creative Post for A Touch of Gold (Instagram)

Story-eyed Reviews - Interview with McCall Hoyle
Will Read Anything - Book Review of Meet the Sky
Kait Plus Books - Book Review of No Place Like Here + Favorite Quotes
The Reading Corner for All - Book Review of A Touch of Gold + Instagram Post

July 26

Adventures Thru Wonderland - McCall Hoyle Guest Post
Here's to Happy Endings - Book Review of A Touch of Gold
What She Will Read - Book Review of No Place Like Here + Favorite Quotes
Starlight Reads - Book Playlist for Swing

Story-eyed Reviews - Book Review of Meet the Sky + Favorite Quotes
Library of a Book Witch - Book Review of A Touch of Gold
Will Read Anything - Book Review of Swing
Inky Moments - Book Review of No Place Like Here + Favorite Quotes

July 29

Beauty In the Binding - Author Q&A with Annie Sullivan

Onemused - Book Review of Meet the Sky (Instagram Photo)

A Bronx Latina Reads - Book Review of No Place Like Here

Cinnamon Summers - Book Review of Meet the Sky + Favorite Quotes

A Dream Within a Dream - Book Review of A Touch of Gold
A Bookish Dream - Book Review of Pretty In Punxsutawney
Savings In Seconds - Book Review of Swing + Favorite Quotes

FictitiousWonderland - Book Review + Creative Post for Pretty In Punxsutawney (Instagram)

July 30

What She Will Read - Laurie Boyle Crompton Guest Post

Never Too Many to Read - Book Review of No Place Like Here
Starlight Reads - Book Review of Swing
YA/NA Book Divas - Book Review of A Touch of Gold

YA Media Consumer - Book Review of Meet the Sky

Some Books and Ramblings - Interview with McCall Hoyle

Moonlight Rendezvous - Book Review of A Touch of Gold + Favorite Quotes
The Reading Corner for All - Book Review of Meet the Sky + Instagram Post

July 31

Feed Your Fiction Addiction - McCall Hoyle Guest Post

Taylor Fenner's Bookish World - Book Review of No Place Like Here

Book-Keeping - Book Review of Touch of Gold

Utopia State of Mind - Book Review of No Place Like Here
Kait Plus Books - Annie Sullivan Guest Post
Musings of a (Book) Girl - Book Review of Swing
Kait Plus Books - Laurie Boyle Crompton Guest Post
Read At Night - No Place Like Here Creative Post
Ohana Cascadia - Book Review of A Touch of Gold + Favorite Quotes
Lifestyle of Me - Book Review of Pretty In Punxsutawney

August 1

Reading Authors Network - Creative Post for Swing

Story-eyed Reviews - Interview with Christina June
Two Points of Interest - Book Review of Pretty In Punxsutawney
The Secret Reader - Book Review of A Touch of Gold + Creative Post

Belle's Archive - Book Review of Swing

A Dream Within A Dream - Annie Sullivan Guest Post

Smada's Book Smack - Book Review of Pretty In Punxsutawney

A Bookish Dream - Book Review of No Place Like Here

Adventures Thru Wonderland - Book Review of Meet the Sky

August 2

Here's to Happy Endings - Book Review of Meet the Sky

Belle's Archive - Book Review of Pretty In Punxsutawney
The Secret Reader - Book Review of Pretty In Punxsutawney + Interview with Laurie Boyle Crompton + Creative Post
Smada's Book Smack - Book Review of No Place Like Here

Faery Tales Are Real - Book Review of A Touch of Gold

Read At Night - Book Review of Swing + Creative Post
Two Points of Interest - Book Review of Swing

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TOUR-WIDE GIVEAWAY:

Prize: 5 BLINK Summer Reading Tour Book Bundles (A Touch of Gold, Meet the Sky, No Place Like Here, Pretty In Punxsutawney, and Swing by Kwame Alexander) (USA). Ends 8/09/19.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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*This post contains affiliate links.

Book Review: A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson

About the Book:

Discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world.

Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but things do not go as planned.

Carter is fascinated with the wreck, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

My Thoughts:

A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson was an easy read that kept me turning the pages. Part romance, part mystery, and part adventure, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The novel addressed deep issues such as shame, trust, and family identity, but it felt light and hopeful.

Aunt Tessie was my favorite character in A Glitter of Gold. With her wise words and non-judgmental attitude, she facilitated Anne's healing. Anne's back story surprised me a bit. It's not frequent in Christian fiction for the leading lady to have such a background and I liked the uniqueness of it.

Another aspect I enjoyed was the reading of the diary in Carter's possession. I didn't think of the novel as a dual timeline story, but a historical romance was embedded within the larger, contemporary plot of A Glitter of Gold. Like Anne, I desperately wanted to know what happened with the people in the diary.

A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson is the second book in the Georgia Coast Romance series, but worked fine as a stand-alone novel. It is the first book I've read by Liz Johnson and I'll be on the lookout for more of her work. Four stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

First Line Fridays: No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first lines from No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky:

"Katie McAlister's heart pounded out a frantic beat as she gripped the rickety railing and rushed down the back stairs."

Have you read this book? If not, visit the publisher's website to read an excerpt.

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans--but was that the truth?

After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans' home before Laura is notified about her family's unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.

Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?

Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God".

July 2019 Book Giveaway: A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh

Happy Sunday! It's time for the monthly book giveaway. Up for grabs this month is A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller. This is the first in the Daughters of Aynsley series and the second is releasing soon. 

Enter using the Rafflecopter below. Must be a resident of the US, 18 years of age, and legally able to enter. Book will be shipped via Media Mail. No purchase necessary.

About the Book:

Can a very proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?

As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society—and she’s always followed them precisely. It’s simply the way things are done in her world. When she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. She is suddenly confronted by questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith—and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance.

Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won’t willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged by both his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister’s illness is becoming more desperate and her care grows more demanding. Adding a proper Viscount’s daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected—especially since he has a secret that demands he stays far away from this young woman he’s falling for in order to protect his beloved sister.

When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret is set to be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have managed to build be strong enough to overcome their differences—or will the trust they’ve withheld from each other end up tearing three lives apart?



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Book Review: The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings

About the Book:

When three people take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, their lives change forever. 

A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job.

A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister's house before her niece’s wedding.

And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive.

When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave.

In this modern-day parable about the burdens that weigh us down, David Rawlings issues an inspiring invitation to lighten the load.

My Thoughts:

The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings is good in so many ways. First, I found the story addictive, not wanting to put it down. It was easy to read even as it jumped around between the stories of David, Gillian, and Michael. Second, I could identify with parts of each character's struggle. I saw a bit of myself in each of them. Lastly, it was emotionally potent for me as I have some emotional baggage. Don't be surprised if The Baggage Handler makes you cry. I sure did.

I recommend The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings to readers who enjoy inspirational fiction. It's as short, but powerful book. If I described it in one word, it would be: moving. It is not a blatantly Christian book, but there are clear parallels between The Baggage Handler and Jesus, if you are a Christian and chose to take it that way.

The Mosaic Collection Author Spotlight: Regina Rudd Merrick

 

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!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Regina Rudd Merrick is a writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Having lived most of her life in Western Kentucky, she dreams of the sound of crashing waves and sandy beaches. Married to her husband of 35+ years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. She is the author of three books: Carolina Dream (Apr. 2017), Carolina Mercy (July 2018), and Carolina Grace (February 2019) in the Southern Breeze Series.

CONNECT WITH REGINA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Cornerstone message from the collection: 

Trust God and do the next right thing.

I want my readers to know that they are not alone, and that what they’re going through is not unique to them. Life isn’t a series of obstacles to overcome, but a series of events that point us to Jesus, who loves us more than we can imagine.

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Q AND A WITH REGINA RUDD MERRICK

Favorite place to read: In my bed - okay to be honest, on a balcony overlooking the beach, but reality . . . 

Favorite book character from childhood: Laura Ingalls Wilder - I know, she was a real person, but she made me want to be a pioneer so badly!!

Favorite movie: Tough one. I have several: You’ve Got Mail, Sahara, How the West was Won, Notorious, Star Wars. How’s that for variety?

Favorite quote or Bible verse: Psalm 37:4. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Favorite splurge/treat: Anything with hot fudge on it. :) 

Favorite character you’ve created: Lucy Dixon. She was so much fun to write!

Last 3 great books you read:  “A Bound Heart” by Laura Frantz, “Justice Delivered” by Patricia Bradley, “Where Treasure Hides” by Johnnie Alexander.

Dream vacation: A month on an island off the coast of SC, GA, or FL, doing nothing but soaking up the sun, eating, walking, and reading.

Plotter or pantser: Pantser.

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : The ocean, chocolate chip cookies, a new computer, shopping for shoes, planning a vacation, decorating a house, my instant pot, hugs from my girls, my new wedding band, walking on the beach.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and 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

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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.

First Line Fridays: The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first lines from The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings:

"The sense of dread that began with Becky's email pressed Gillian Short deep into her seat as passengers filed past her down the aisle, a line of eye-rubbing yawns and bounding impatience."

Have you read this book? I just read it this past Sunday for my local book club's July meeting. If you follow me on social media, you might know it made me do the ugly cry! It's a small book with a powerful message that was especially potent for me because of my personal issues. Highly recommend for anyone.

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!

About the Book:

When three people take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, their lives change forever. 

A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job.

A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister's house before her niece’s wedding.

And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive.

When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave.

In this modern-day parable about the burdens that weigh us down, David Rawlings issues an inspiring invitation to lighten the load.

The Mosaic Collection Author Spotlight: Janice L. Dick

 

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!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janice L. Dick was born and raised in southern Alberta, Canada, into an ethnic Mennonite farm family. She has always loved stories of family heritage and the emigration of her people from Russia. Her aim is not only to share the faith journeys of her forebears, but also to showcase God’s sovereignty in the midst of that milieu. Besides historical fiction, Janice writes contemporary novels and short stories, blogs, articles and book reviews. Janice is the winner of the 2016 Janette Oke Award.

CONNECT WITH JANICE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Cornerstone message from the collection: 

I believe that God is faithful through all things, even when it doesn’t look that way. He does what he does, and is not accountable to anyone, but his love and mercy hold us up. 

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Q AND A WITH JANICE L. DICK

Favorite place to read: On the couch, with the fireplace going, if it’s chilly.

Favorite book characters from childhood: Nancy Drew, Jo from Little Women

Favorite movies: Ever After, Indiana Jones…, National Treasure, Pride & Prejudice

Favorite quote or Bible verse: Psalm16:5-6 “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”    

Favorite splurge/treat: Anything dark chocolate.

Favorite character you’ve created:  Debbie Doram McCormick (The Christmas Sweater)

Last 3 great books you read: Wings of the Wind - Connilyn Cossette, A Trick of the Light - Louise Penny, anything by Chris Fabry, also love Sara Rosett. 

Dream vacation: Driving with my hubby wherever the road leads, for weeks! 

Hidden talent/little-known fact: Used to ride a Goldwing (as a passenger).

Plotter or pantser: Plotter; I love lists and charts.

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : My hubby, my kids, my grandkids, books, did I mention dark chocolate, low-maintenance friends, lol humor, freedom in Christ, green grass and trees, my home.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and 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.

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Book Review: How to be a Courageous Girl of God

About the Book:

Encourage the girls in your life to become courageous girls of God!

Featuring brief descriptions of dozens of  Bible women, your girls, ages 8 and up, will be inspired to become courageous, too, as they learn from the examples of strong women of faith--including Abigail, Anna, Deborah, Dorcas, Elizabeth, Mary, and dozens more! Each section prompts girls to read the complete story in their own Bible, draw a related picture, journal their thoughts about courageous women of the Bible, and think about how they, too, can be a courageous girl! This delightful journal makes a great standalone or companion to 100 Extraordinary Stories for Courageous Girls and The Bible for Courageous Girls.

My Thoughts:

How to be a Courageous Girl of God: An Interactive Journal Inspired by Extraordinary Women of Faith from Shiloh Kidz Publishing features thirty-four women whose stories are noted in the Bible. Combining inspirational Bible stories with plenty of space for writing and drawing, the journal aims to empower girls to live courageously. Over a span of five pages for each woman, the journal directs the user to read the Bible story, examine why this woman was considered courageous, and contemplate a life application.

In my opinion, some of the stories in How to be a Courageous Girl of God were stretched. Regarding Noah's wife, the text says that “she must have shared Noah's strong faith and trust in God.” While it is likely that she did, we really don't know as it's not addressed in the Bible. For Priscilla, the narrative says that she and her husband spent time with Paul, “making tents and talking about the Bible.” This choice of wording is a bit misleading. While they had the Torah and other sacred texts in the early church, they didn't have what we know of as “the Bible.” Maybe these things seem nit-picky, but they didn't settle well for me.

The How to be a Courageous Girl of God journal is spiral bound with a cover that is slightly thicker than a normal paperback cover. Just from the mailing, three of the four corners have damage and the spine has substantial creasing. Considering that my daughter will likely use this for an extended time period, I think a hardcover would have been a better option.

Despite the things listed here that I did not like, I'm pretty sure my daughter will be happy when I present the How to be a Courageous Girl of God journal to her. At seven, she's developed a love of journaling and likely would understand the concepts, but I'm not sure she's ready for critical thinking and life application yet. Late elementary to highschoolers will probably benefit most from this journal.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.