Blog Blitz & Giveaway: The Gifted Trilogy by Lisa T. Bergren

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Gifted Trilogy by Lisa T. Bergren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Title: The Gifted Trilogy 

Author: Lisa T. Bergren 

Publisher: Stonewater Books 

Release Date: 2021 

Genre: Supernatural Suspense / Christian

An ancient, secret letter has long prophesied that the Gifted would gather. One with the ability to heal, another with the gift of wisdom. Others with the ability to see the future, discern truth, uncover evil intent, or exhibit miraculous powers. Together they are a force, born to change the world. But their gathering has drawn the attention of those who wield power…people determined to either control or destroy them.

“[A] classic battle between good and evil. Disregard Da Vinci Code comparisons, and think Lord of the Rings.” —Publishers Weekly

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | BookBub

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EXCERPT FROM BEGOTTEN

Slowly, the forest settled back into shape, gently swaying in a high breeze, but no longer
swirling. The falcon landed on a branch above him. And the woman…he’d never seen such a
beautiful creature. Lord, who is this woman? If I am in danger, warn me now. The edges of her
cloak parted as she leaned over him again, head bent in prayer. He noticed her long, graceful
neck. Delicate collarbones. And pleasing cleavage peeking above a lady’s bodice made of the
finest brocade and beads.

“M’lady,” he whispered, grabbing her hand, forcing her to still.
She looked at him then, arched brows furrowed over earth-brown eyes in which a man
could find both tales and wisdom. A stern angel of God. “Cease looking at me like that,” she
said, rising.

“Yes, m’lady,” he said, speaking normally now. He could breathe again, take a deep
breath! He laughed at the sensation, filled his lungs and then laughed again. What sort of miracle
had just occurred?

He was torn between the glory of an afterlife only barely touched—the promise, the
glimpse that made his heart pound with hope, the desire to exist in that perfection—and his relief
at being alive. But in the midst of it was this angel, this servant. God’s own hand, a wondrous
creature. A healer. And beside her a priest and slave. What odd trio was this?

--an excerpt from BEGOTTEN, book one of The Gifted, by Lisa T. Bergren

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EXCERPT FROM BETRAYED

Gianni unsheathed his sword and the other men did the same, menacing them backward. “Father
Piero…” he began.

Piero knew the edge in the knight’s voice. There were many here with little to fear in
death. The Gifted could be overrun, overtaken, despite the knights and their weapons. Their
clothing stripped from their bodies, their flesh eaten. These were a desperate people.

“M’lady,” Tessa said in a high pitch, pushing toward Daria as an old woman reached to
touch her fine dress.

“Duchess!” cried Vito, lifting his sword high to strike when an old man grabbed her arm.
Those nearest them drew back with a weary gasp.

“Nay!” Piero and Daria shouted, both whirling. Vito pulled back his sword, just before
striking the old man.

Piero gaped at them, then around. This place was filled with the devastated. A hollow. A
cavern of need he had not experienced since…

The day in the marketplace. Back in Siena. The day Daria had preached of love and
ultimate healing. He glanced at her. She was clearly overcome, with that look of longing upon
her face that told him she was about to ask the Lord to heal those about her.

Hasani drew near, then, taking her arm. Piero studied Daria’s tall, black companion, his
steps sure, as if he knew what they were to do. The priest had seen it before in the man. Hasani
took her hand in his and reached out to the nearest child with his mother, covering the boy’s
matted hair with his long, black fingers. Unafraid. He smiled down at the boy with sorrow, as if
he knew the child’s pain, and the child looked up at him with such shock and overwhelmed
pleasure at the sensation of touch that the entire group seemed to hold their breath.

Tears cascaded down Daria’s face and, resolutely, she crouched and pulled the boy into
her arms. Perhaps five years of age, he gazed up at her in wonder. This was the one, the one they
had come to heal.

--an excerpt from BETRAYED, book two of The Gifted, by Lisa T. Bergren

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books in a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to contemporary romance to supernatural suspense novels. She lives in Colorado Springs in a brand-new home she and her husband just finished building and intend to never leave because she’s discovered she loathes moving. You can find out more about her at LisaTBergren.com

CONNECT WITH LISA: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will receive a copy of The Gifted Trilogy and a Gifted candle.

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 1, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 8, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. (Winners outside the US will receive trilogy ebooks and $20 Amazon gift card) Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

October 2021 Reads & November 2021 TBR

My October 2021 Reads:

1. Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy - ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 - Review coming 11/06/21.


2. One Transforming Love by Erin Elise Kiu - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


3. The Water Keeper by Charles Martin - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review to come. 


4. Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


5. The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund - ⭐⭐⭐


6. Falling for Your Best Friend's Twin by Emma St. Clair - ⭐⭐

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Expected November 2021 Reads:

In November, I plan to read:

1. After She Falls by Carmen Schober. - A promising, debut novel!


2. Heirs of Falcon Point by Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, Paige Edwards, A.L. Sowards. - One novel written by four authors! - Currently reading.


3. Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae. - I've wanted to read this one since I read and loved A Dark Beauty.


4. Roots of Wood and Stone by Amanda Wen. - Recently nominated for a Christy award!


5. The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas - My local book club's November selection. This will be a reread for me. Read my review here.


6. The Debutante's Code by Erica Vetsch.


7. Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women Who Shape Us by Jasmine L. Holmes. - Currently reading!

What will you read this month?

Book Review: One Transforming Love by Erin Elise Kiu

About the Book:

Moving on from her past seemed impossible. Until she met the One who promised to give her a future.

When Aubrey moves across the country to San Diego to escape her past, she is hopeful that she can finally discover God’s purpose for her life and meet her future husband. She doesn’t know too much about God, but she is confident her new faith and her new city will help her leave her drunken mistakes and dating history behind.

As she settles into her new beach life, Aubrey meets Jake while watching dolphins play in the ocean. They instantly hit it off and it feels like fate, but soon, Aubrey begins to question Jake’s true intentions and lifestyle.

Is this the guy God has chosen for her? If this is the life God has intended for her, then why does she still feel so lost and alone, and why does she keep making the same mistakes?

Aubrey quickly realizes her past has followed her to her new city, and that going to church every once in a while isn’t good enough. After a few nights she’d like to forget, God shows her that she has a choice to make.

Aubrey can choose God and to do life his way, or she can choose to continue trying to find love and acceptance from the world.

Will she ever be able to move on from her past? Will she have the courage to surrender it all to God?

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My Thoughts:

Based on the author’s life experiences, One Transforming Love by Erin Elise Kiu dives into the party and hookup lifestyle that she once partook of. The aching desires and raw emotions that Aubrey, the protagonist, experiences in the story felt authentic. True to reality, Aubrey spends a large portion of the book craving change while struggling to leave her way of life. While the novel calls out excessive drinking and casual sex as wrong, the story points to love, acceptance, and transformation found in the arms of Jesus. It has the feel of a devotional wrapped in a fictional narrative.

One Transforming Love by Erin Elise Kiu entertains while offering truth and hope for change. While likely intended for young women caught between the party scene and a longing for something more, it can benefit a woman of any age struggling with such issues. I love One Transforming Love’s beautiful cover and recommend it for ages 16+ due to content.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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Excerpt:

“Do you want to go down to the altar for prayer?” The guy nodded to the front of the auditorium.

 Hundreds of people were making their way down to the altar, lining up for prayer. Some at the front were ripping up pieces of paper—the contracts they had made with the Devil. A few people were crying, raising their arms in the air, as people prayed for them.

Aubrey felt like she couldn’t move. She felt like for the first time she was awakened to the truth all around her. To this whole world with God, a world of good and evil that she didn’t know existed.

She thought she was doing a good job, learning about God and reading her Bible, but there was so much she didn’t know. No matter how much good she did, it wasn’t going to cut it if she didn’t fully surrender everything to God. If she didn’t rip up those contracts with the Devil.

She had already surrendered drinking to God, but it was clear she had to surrender everything to God. She had to surrender sex to God.

But there was no way she was going up to the altar in front of everyone. She needed to get out of there. She needed to process this alone.

“No, I’m fine, thank you. Have a great day.” She grabbed her purse and quickly moved past the guy before he could say anything else.

The tears kept falling as she made her way to her car. She didn’t know how to process this. She didn’t know how to surrender everything to God, including sex.

It was clear God had spoken to her today. She couldn’t pretend sex wasn’t a big deal to God. She couldn’t ignore what she had just heard—that she had been letting the Devil control her life for so long and she hadn’t even known.

She had already tried to stop sleeping with Jake, but it hadn’t worked. How was she supposed to stop? She closed her eyes and prayed silently as she made it to her car.

How am I supposed to stop, God? How do I just give up sex? How do I stop the Devil from controlling this area of my life?

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Purchase Links:

Fun & Holy (Hardcover)

Amazon (Ebook currently $2.99)

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About the Author:

Erin Elise Kiu is passionate about helping women have a transforming relationship with Jesus. After experiencing her own transformation with God and seeing how God wrote her love story, Erin’s mission is to help other women live the fun and holy lives they were created to live while attracting their future husbands along the way.

Erin is an author and blogger at Fun & Holy, a blog and community for women to grow together as they become the women God created them to be. She has also led Bible studies and women’s groups at her church to help women discover their identity and purpose in Christ.

When she’s not writing, you can find Erin on the beach or biking along the coast with her husband in San Diego.

Join the Fun & Holy Community at www.funandholy.com to get free access to women’s Bible studies, spiritual growth tips, and prayer guides to pray for your future husband.

Are you ready to become the woman God created you to be and attract the future husband God has for you?

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Connect with Erin:

Website

https://www.funandholy.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/erinelisekiu/

Fun & Holy Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/funandholycommunity

Blog Blitz with Giveaway: Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L. Holmes

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L. Holmes, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Carved in Ebony
Author: Jasmine L. Holmes
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: November 2, 2021
Genre: Christian History / Biography

Through the lives of Elizabeth Freeman, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Amanda Berry Smith, Mamie Till, and others, author and speaker Jasmine Holmes shares the significant role that Black women have played in the formation of our faith--and are playing in our formation as modern-day women of faith. 

As these historical figures take the stage with Holmes, you will be inspired by what the stories of these women can teach us about education, birth, privilege, and so much more. Carved in Ebony will take you past the predominately white, male contributions that seemingly dominate history books to discover how Black women have been some of the main figures in defining the landscape of American history and faith. 

Come along on Jasmine's journey and be encouraged by the powerful and persuasive Black women of our past so that you can help inspire a better, more inclusive future.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

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EXCERPT

Chapter 1 – “A Midwife at the Birth of a Nation: Elizabeth Freeman” from Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes; pp. 34–35, 37–38; 766 words (edited)

There is power in knowing what our founding fathers described as our “inalienable rights.” Elizabeth Freeman knew them when she was petitioning for her freedom, and we would do well to know them as we inhabit our modern lives. Just a few overheard words from the Sheffield Declaration changed the course of Elizabeth’s life, and history as a whole; how much more can our understanding of the wealth of words penned about our invaluable rights change our own lifetimes?

This legacy sounds intimidating when painted in such heroic strokes, but, looking at the rest of Elizabeth’s life, we see that her faithfulness was lived out in the day-to-day. That court appearance was just one aspect of who she was.

Elizabeth wasn’t a brilliant Civil Rights lawyer who spent her entire life advocating for legislative change. She was a domestic worker and a midwife who spent most of her time serving others and, according to her headstone, keeping her word. That part of her life—the part where she was faithful every day—is something I relate to much more than the freedom suit.

Look back at the words on her headstone: She neither wasted time nor property. She never violated a trust, nor failed to perform a duty.

She was a good steward of her time and her belongings. She was trustworthy. She applied herself diligently to every duty. In this sense, her advocacy for her freedom is not the defining characteristic of her life but an outworking of her true character. Elizabeth Freeman is not merely memorable because of her court case; rather, she is memorable because she had the type of character that made her a good steward of the freedom she had been given by God, giving her an understanding that she was not merely property. She never violated the contract that all citizens of this country pledged allegiance to, and did not neglect to perform her duty as one of the shapers of the nation that we now reside in.

Elizabeth Freeman wasn’t a trailblazing activist. And yet, I believe that it was because Elizabeth herself was a woman of her word and a woman of principle that she could not sit idly by while her nation reneged on the contract that it had made with its people, including its enslaved people.

That is an example I want to follow. A woman who is faithfully about her work each and every day, but willing to step outside of that work and outside of her comfort zone to hold a nation or an individual accountable. A woman who advocates every day on a small scale—for myself, my husband, my children, my loved ones—and isn’t afraid to advocate on a larger scale when the occasion calls for it.



Elizabeth and Me

I am still learning what it means to be a woman and an advocate.

Sometimes, it seems that our Christian ideals of femininity prize timidity over strength, placidity over courage, and docility over principle. But we have to remember that our culture has a way of shaping the Word of God to fit into our own ideals of what truly shapes a woman of God. Esther advocated for Israel with her husband, the king. Ruth advocated for herself with her future husband, Boaz. Deborah advocated for Israel as their judge.

And Elizabeth Freeman advocated for her freedom from the ungodly institution of American slavery and spent the rest of her life advocating for mothers who were bringing their babies into the world.

That part of the story is one of my favorites, because for me, advocacy looks like following in Elizabeth Freeman’s footsteps in the birth field. It looks like learning all that I can about the history of gynecology and its adverse effects on Black women’s bodies, as well as the modern-day attitudes and assumptions about Black health in general and Black maternal health specifically that lead to disparities in outcomes. It looks like knowing my rights when I enter a hospital and being able to advocate for my rights and the rights of my child. It means seeking as much education as I can to someday become a doula and advocate for the rights of other women.

Here’s what I love: we don’t all have to fight on the same front. We need midwives and doulas—we need educators, legislators, prison reformers, police reformers, wives, mothers, and sisters all on the front lines. As we strive to be faithful in whatever space the Lord has for us, this is the kind of strength that I love about Black women.

Excerpt from Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L. Holmes provided by Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Copyright Oct. 12, 2021. Used by permission.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Jasmine L. Holmes has written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Fathom Mag, Christianity Today, and The Witness. Jasmine is the author of Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope, and contributor for Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of Our Identity in Christ, and His Testimony, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God. She teaches humanities in a classical Christian school in Jackson, Mississippi, where she and her husband, Phillip, are parenting three young sons.

CONNECT WITH JASMINE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of The Happy Crab by Layla & Kevin Palmer, Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson, and Make Their Day by Karen Ehman.

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 27, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Author Interview & Giveaway: First Kiss at Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for First Kiss at Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: First Kiss at Christmas 
Series: The Off Season #5
Author: Lee Tobin McClain
Publisher: HQN
Release Date: October 26, 2021
Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance

At 25 years old, preschool teacher Kayla Harris is embarrassed to admit she's never been kissed. When Tony DiNunzio and his grieving nephew show up in her classroom, she can't help being drawn to both of them. If only her insecurities-and his guilt over his sister's death-would stop standing in their way. 

As Christmas approaches, can these three come together to form a family... not just for the holidays, but forever?

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

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MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Lee Tobin McClain is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels. A professor-turned-writer, she finds inspiration in her beautiful and brilliant daughter, her goofy goldendoodle, and her aptly named cat, Trouble. Learn more about her books at www.leetobinmcclain.com.

CONNECT WITH LEE: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH LEE TOBIN MCCLAIN 

Q: What was the inspiration behind First Kiss at Christmas? 

Lee: I have always loved preschool kids and classrooms, so when a preschool teacher appeared as a secondary character in a couple of the previous books in the series, I knew I wanted to give her a story of her own. She was just the right match for my world-weary veteran hero and his grieving nephew.

Q: How long did it take you to write this novel? 

Lee: Four months of writing; a lot of thinking before that to dream up the main ideas and plot points.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this novel? 

Lee: “Tonight, in this fairy tale world, he could do what his heart wanted to do. He leaned closer and pressed his lips to hers.”

Q: What do you hope readers take away from First Kiss at Christmas? 

Lee: I want my readers to like they’ve escaped from their problems and visited a place where there’s always a happy ending.


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers would not know? 

Lee:I have travelled to China twice. Once to adopt my wonderful daughter, and once to take her back to visit her birthplace. What a beautiful, complex country!

Q: What are you reading now? 

Lee: I just finished Belle Calhoune’s No Ordinary Christmas, and now I’m reading Susan Mallery’s The Christmas Wedding Guest. Both are fabulous!

 

Q: How many bookcases are in your home? 

Lee: I went through a minimalist phase and got down to two big bookcases. Now they’re overflowing, because even though I try to use the library, I can’t resist buying books!

Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing? 

Lee: I love to get outside and hike with friends and my goofy goldendoodle.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of the first four books in The Off Season series, a Christmas ornament, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 26, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 2, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Book Spotlight & Author Interview: I Grew With You by Sarah Molitor

BOOK DETAILS:

Publication Date: October 26, 2021
Author/Illustrator: Sarah Molitor/ Anastasia Sivura
Imprint: Good & True Media
ISBN: 9781737079620
Price: $12.95
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 24

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

In this heart-felt poem, readers get a glimpse into the journey a mother takes during her pregnancy. Filled with humor and beautiful illustrations, I Grew With You shows that not only the baby grows during pregnancy but the mother also grows emotionally, spiritually, and of course, physically. But above all the bond between mother and child grows, month over month.

I Grew With You is a warm, heartful lullaby that reminds the mother and child of the precious road they traveled to meet each other.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR:

About Sarah Molitor

Sarah is most notably known as “mommy” to her six boys. Her role as wife and mother has shaped her more than any other title she has acquired. Along with raising her children, she also homeschools them full time. Prior to starting a family, Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Linfield University. As a registered nurse her passion was and still is helping others. Although no longer working as a nurse, Sarah has translated that passion into a different avenue – social media. She is the creative force behind @modernfarmhousefamily where she encourages, challenges and inspires her community of over 218K followers on a daily basis. For fun, Sarah considers herself a candy connoisseur, self-taught photographer, very amateur baker and if given spare time, usually chooses to read children’s books to her kids while keeping them entertained with her voice impressions. Sarah lives with her husband Tim and their growing family in Washington. I Grew With You is her first book.

About Anastasia Sivura

Anastasia is an illustrator who creates wonderful illustrations where fascinating stories are intertwined with lightness and innocence. The artist works with different materials because she thinks that developing one's skills and trying something new is absolutely important. Besides making beautiful illustrations she is a firm believer in interesting stories and ideas. Anastasia has a lot of projects which she would love to realize. She is based in California and married with two daughters. She has a dog as well. Nature and the ocean are her main sources of inspiration.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH SARAH MOLITOR:

What inspired you to write a book for children about the experience of pregnancy and childbirth?

The day I found out I was pregnant was also the day I had a meeting with the publisher to pitch ideas for my very first children’s book. I remember thinking to myself, “How cool would it be to write a book for children and mothers about the journey of pregnancy and how a baby grows?” And instantly the words I Grew With You came to mind. So it was truly inspired by finding out I was pregnant with our sixth child. 

I also knew I wanted it to be a sweet story that a mother could read to her child that would be endearing to both of them. I know my boys are so excited to watch my tummy grow and this book was a way to let them in on all the ways a mommy and baby inside her grows as they anticipate the birth of the child. 

Why did you decide to show the entire journey from conception to birth, instead of focusing on one aspect?

It’s so important to me that I acknowledge that life begins at conception. From the very beginning, your child was created specifically for you. And as each mother finds out that she is pregnant, the anticipation builds from those early moments no matter how long you carry your child. I believe the whole process of pregnancy all the way to delivery is important for seeing the miracle of life versus just focusing on one specific moment. 

I also believe it brings out the joy (and often humor) from the moments and changes that each month brings throughout pregnancy. People love to see something from start to finish and I Grew With You allows for that!

The book also highlights a diverse group of women. Why was that an important focus for you as well?

As I was imagining this book, I was also imagining all the different mothers that could be touched by reading it to their little ones. Or just having it as their own keepsake. And I’m keenly aware that no two mothers are alike whether in look or personality or how they carry their child (and so much more). So diversity in the book was a very important thing for me to highlight. I want children to know how each mother is beautifully different during pregnancy. And I also want them to turn the page and suddenly say “hey, that mommy looks like you!” which allows for a depth of connection to the book and the story. In this book you will see nine different mothers which speaks to the diversity of motherhood and all women!

As mothers read this book to their children, how do you think it will encourage them?

I’m imagining the moments when mother’s first read this to their children and how special it will be. I believe it will encourage the mother in how incredible she is for the pregnancy(s) she has experienced and all the highs and not so highs she may have experienced. I believe she will feel more empowered and proud of being a part of the miracle of bringing life into the world. And I also believe it will create a unique bond between the mother and her child(ren) because they will get a glimpse into what mommy (and daddy) went through to bring them into the world. Overall I Grew With You gives a unique, special, humorous and beautiful view into the beginning of motherhood and this ultimately fosters a deeper connection between mother and child.

How could this book change someone’s opinion about pregnancy and childbirth?

First of all, I believe it will show the beauty of how life begins at conception and how much that child, from the very beginning, means to a mother. The excitement, the anticipation, the sharing in the news- all of it. But I also believe it will challenge people in their views of pregnancy and childbirth. If you have given birth, you know all the aches and pains and stretching and growing that happens. It’s not all glowing skin and easy peasy. This book gives a simple and sweet look into how the process of pregnancy changes the mother physically and emotionally just as much as the baby inside her grows and develops as well. 

What advice do you have for parents as they start having discussions with their children about pregnancy, childbirth, starting a family, etc.?

I love having age-appropriate conversations about these topics with my children as well as an open line of communication that they can ask us whatever questions they will have and we will always give them an honest answer. My advice would be to always communicate in whatever way feels most comfortable for your family and allow children to be involved in knowing the process and how they are a unique part of that too. 

This answer may look different at different stages but it’s so important that we include them in the process. When they are included, it allows them to feel a part of everything that is going on whether that’s announcing the pregnancy to family and friends or learning how the baby grows inside the mother each month and all the new developments that happen. And this gives children their own special bond with mommy and the new baby to be. The more children are involved, the more involved they want to be which is exciting for them and ultimately builds up the family unit in the best way. 

Your publisher, Good & True, produces very family-friendly, faith-based content for children. Why was it important to you to partner with a publisher like that?

It is so important to me that we build a foundation for our children that’s filled with value! Value for the children and value for the parents as well. I always want to know that whatever I’m hearing, watching, seeing or reading is safe for the whole family and never brings up unexpected discomfort. 

Good and True is committed to these same values and I wanted my book to align with a publisher who would prioritize this. I’m so thankful they do and it’s been evident through the whole process. Consumers will always know that content coming from Good and True is content they can trust for their families, their homes and whoever they share it with. 

Ultimately, what do you hope parents and children take away from I Grew With You?

My ultimate hope is that families will read I Grew With You and walk away feeling a greater sense of family and love for each other. Also that parents and specifically mothers will feel a greater sense of pride in their families and the beauty of who each of them uniquely are. I hope this book will touch mothers of all ages and stages in a powerful way allowing them to remember the journey of pregnancy and all that they accomplished to have the family they do now. And that everyone would value the beauty and frailty of life and how much power and love one life can hold within them.

What other projects are you working on? 

There are a couple things I am working on actually. First off, I am working on a second children’s book with Good and True. YAY! This one will be vastly different from I Grew With You. It will be a very playful, bright and colorful book filled with animals! And will talk about how important each person is to the world and how important it is to share our joy with others. I know it will be such a fun book for parents and children alike. 

I am also working on a potential proposal for my first adult book. It’s still in the rough stages but my hope is that it will be an encouragement to women everywhere. I’m excited for both of these projects and looking forward to seeing them come to fruition. 

Where can readers purchase a copy of I Grew With You?

Pre-orders are set to launch on Wednesday, July 14 (which we are VERY excited about). I Grew With You will be available to pre-order at goodandtruemedia.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com and anywhere books are sold. I Grew With You is set to officially release on October 26.

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CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

Author’s Website: http://modernfarmhousefamily.com/
Author’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfarmhousefamily/