Author Interview: The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton by Susan L. Tuttle

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton by Susan L. Tuttle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton
Series: The Treasures of Halstead Manor
Author: Susan L. Tuttle
Publisher: Kregel
Release Date: January 16, 2024
Genre: Women's Fiction / Romance

In her search for a rare gem, will Everleigh end up uncovering the true treasure of her heart? 

Personal care nurse Everleigh Wheaton knows it only takes a few well-placed lies to ruin a reputation. She's experienced it time and time again. But there's a silver lining to repeatedly proving herself: she's confident and self-reliant. 

When she loses yet another job and an enigmatic stranger offers her a potential way out, she's game. After all, she loves a good mystery, and an invitation to visit the legendary Halstead Manor is irresistible. But she's not about to let her guard down--especially with the other women who received the same invitation. 

A strange voice on the phone tells them he's gathered the three of them to work together as treasure hunters. The first assignment requires Everleigh to be a traveling nurse for retired FBI agent Gertrude Levine, who has one cold case she just can't let go of: the Florentine diamond that went missing when the Austrian Empire fell. 

With Everleigh's keen ability to solve puzzles, Natalie Daughtry's vast knowledge of history, and Brooke Sumner's connections to the antiques world, they're bound to track down the diamond. Except that Gertie's nephew, Niles Butler, doesn't trust Everleigh's innocent act . . . even if he finds himself falling for her. Worse, Everleigh's walls of self-preservation may doom the entire team. 

Hints of real-life historical events combined with contemporary characters make this first book in the Treasures of Halstead Manor series a masterful blend of romance, mystery, and strong female friendships. Readers of authors like Denise Hunter and Nicole Deese who enjoy unfolding relationships and the organic discovery of God's love will relish this new series.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop

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Excerpt

As Everleigh left her second stop, her eyes snagged on a vehicle in her rearview that raised her suspicion. By the time she pulled away from her apartment, that suspicion was confirmed. Someone was following her. The same silver sedan had been on her tail since she’d pulled out of Kroger. If she had her guess, Palmer had sent someone to watch her. Might as well find out if she was right.

Spotting a strip mall ahead anchored by a coffee shop, Everleigh pulled into the lot. She joined the drive-through line and ordered a toffee nut latte—might as well enjoy the excuse for a midday pick-me- up. The sedan had parked at the far side of the lot, providing whoever sat behind the wheel with a perfect view of the exit. The way they’d parked, however, prevented them from seeing the end of the drive-through line.

Everleigh swung around and approached the sedan slowly. If she thought about it too long, common sense could nix her impulse. Instead, she gunned it, parking at an angle with her passenger door practically touching their front bumper. Taking off her sunglasses, she met the surprised gaze of the person who’d been following her.

“You!”

(ch 6, page 48)

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About the Author

Susan L. Tuttle is a pastor's wife, mom, and the director of women's ministry at her church near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her previous work includes the Count on Love series, and the Carol Award finalist Love You, Truly.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanltuttle.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Author Interview

Q: What was the inspiration behind The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton?

Susan: A mixture of things! I had traveled to Vienna and toured the palaces there several years prior to writing this book. The royal family and their history stuck with me (I adore history). Then while brainstorming story ideas, I stumbled upon the Florentine Diamond and recalled its attachment to the Habsburgs. I loved that mystery still surrounded its disappearance. About this same time, my mind was also spinning ideas about old TV shows, like Charlie’s Angels. Everything began to churn together and eventually formed into this story. It was a wild and fun ride.


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

Susan: The rough draft took a few months, but to truly get it into good shape took a year.


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

Susan: I have a few, but one of which is “Truth isn’t swayed by people’s opinions. It remains unchanged no matter what is said, printed, or believed.”


Q: What do you hope readers take away from The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton?

Susan: Ooh, that’s a loaded question as there’s several take-aways and my prayer is that God moves in their heart in unique ways to each reader. One overall message I did love, however, was that we have a choice with how the past affects us. We all have moments of hurt and pain in our past, but we have to decide if we allow God to make beauty from our ashes or if we’ll carry bitterness. Our God is a healer, and his word is true. Yes, healing can take time, but he promises that he can put back together our brokenness—if we let him.


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

Susan: I love musical theater and always wanted to sing on Broadway. I can’t dance and can only sort of hold a tune, but that doesn’t stop me from pretending (in my car, all alone) that I’ve been cast in multiple shows as the lead.


Q: How long ago did you start writing?

Susan: I have always been a writer! I won my first writing contest in first grade. It wasn’t until 2010 when I finished my first full-length novel, however. Then it was another few years until I began to seriously pursue publication. I finally reached that goal in 2018.


Q: What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

Susan: Feeling as if I am doing what God created me to do. Writing is one of the times I feel closest to him.


Q: Do you prefer to read ebooks or physical copies?

Susan: On vacation – ebooks. All the rest of the time, physical.


Q: How many bookcases are in your home?

Susan: If it were just me, bookcases would line every wall of my home. However, Hubby isn’t as keen on them as I am.☺ Currently, I only have one, but we are in talks over adding two more—large ones!


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

Susan: I’m in a new season with all my kids having grown but not quite flown yet, so I’m rediscovering what I love! Hubby and I picked up tennis this past summer, and we enjoy hiking as well. Other than that, we’ll see what other fun new hobbies I pick up over the next few years.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed, print copy of The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton + book-themed goodies!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 15, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 22, 2024. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Author Interview: The Girl and Her Noble Steed by Kirthana J Fanning

About the Book

Book: The Girl and Her Noble Steed

Author: Kirthana J Fanning

Genre: Children’s Fiction (Chapter book)

Release Date: September 5, 2023

Embark on a remarkable journey with an orphan girl determined to conquer a thrilling race. Overcoming obstacles with the power of prayer, she’s joined by a cantankerous farmer and his singing, dancing miniature donkey. Together, they defy the odds, showcasing the strength of faith, courage, and friendship.

Click here to get your copy!

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About the Author

Kirthana J. Fanning is a children’s book author who is passionate about empowering young readers with God’s word and inspiring them to live boldly in Christ. Her stories are full of adventure and lessons that will help young minds grow and flourish. She believes that sharing God’s love and miracles through her writing will leave an indelible mark on the world, one heart at a time.

With two decades of experience as a television producer and writer in Southeast Asia, Kirthana uses her expertise to craft stories that will help young people navigate through life’s challenges with faith and grace. When she’s not writing, Kirthana volunteers as a remote youth fellowship leader and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two huskies.

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Author Interview with Kirthana

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

Kirthana: One of my favorites is from Isaiah 58:11, which is in the book: "Where God guides, He provides." It's a beautiful reminder of divine guidance and support.

Another quote that resonates with me is: "An act of goodwill ripples like a tiny rock in a quiet lake, warming hearts out of reach." This quote captures the essence of kindness and the far-reaching impact of even small acts of goodness.


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Kirthana: Here are few facts about me that most readers wouldn't know:

• I collect coffee mugs, especially ones with biblical sayings, quirky designs, and beautiful art.
• I'm a self-proclaimed foodie with a big sweet tooth, though I'm not the most adventurous eater (except for that one time I tried frog porridge in Singapore).
• I once made it to the Eiffel Tower but didn't go up—a true "dumberrr" moment! I plan on going back with my family.
• I got my first car when I was 18; it was a Ford Escort.
• I can't sleep in pitch-black darkness.
• ​​My husband and I met for the first time in person at Boston Logan Airport; two months later, we were married.
• Rainbows never cease to amaze me and serve as a reminder of God's love.
• I once went snorkeling near a shark, and it was more terrifying than thrilling (I don't think the shark was supposed to be there).
• I'm so excited about the Christmas season that I like to call myself the Christmas elf. It's truly the most wonderful time of the year!

Q: What are you reading now?

Kirthana: I'm currently reading "Out of the Shadow World" by Colleen Chao. This year was a bit challenging for me, and I didn't reach my reading target. However, I'm determined to double it next year and aim to read 50 books. I'm open to suggestions for great reads, so please feel free to recommend some books you think I'd enjoy. If I find one that's a hit and I really like it, I'll be sure to give you a shout-out on my socials to say thank you!


Q: What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

Kirthana: When I'm not writing, I enjoy cooking, but not every day. Reading is a big part of my life, and I adore spending time with my playful huskies. I like working on DIY projects at home and going for walks on trails. Skydiving sounds cool, but I doubt I'd ever actually do it. I've got plans to take a baking class and learn salsa dancing soon. Spending time with Jesus is important to me, and on weekends, I lead a youth fellowship for over 200 aspiring medical students. Life's a wild ride, and I'm loving every moment!


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

Kirthana: Readers can find out more about me and my novel on my website, kirthanajfanning.com. Additionally, I humbly and hopefully ask all you kind-hearted souls to lend your support to my Kickstarter campaign for 'The Girl and Her Noble Steed.' Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a significant impact in getting this book out there and bringing its future series to life. Together, we can make sure this award-winning, heartwarming story reaches children, filling their lives with Christian faith-based, uplifting tales. Thank you for planting a seed of love in my journey and being part of this incredible adventure!

Here the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/347960943/787598163?ref=2op2bf

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More from Kirthana

Reflecting on a significant milestone in my life, one I deeply cherish, I can’t help but think about the journey I’ve traveled. It all started in the shadows of fear, discouragement, and neglect during my childhood. However, it was the profound influence of God’s word, the power of prayer, and the unwavering support system that surrounded me that illuminated my path in countless ways.

For 13 years, I grappled with consistency and security in my previous job as a TV producer and content head. I felt a void in my life, a sense that something was missing. So, I turned to prayer and patiently waited for God to reveal His will for me. And He did just that, leading me to become a children’s author dedicated to writing Christian faith-based books that encourage and inspire young hearts, guiding them closer to Christ.

”The Girl and Her Noble Steed” emerged from my desire to create a book brimming with adventure and faith. Through this book, I hope to teach children that a miracle is just a prayer away and that nothing is impossible for those who love and believe in God. This knowledge was not readily available to me while I was growing up, and I don’t want any child to miss out on a relationship with Jesus.

Now, let me share a fun fact about the book. Just like the quirky words that fill the pages of “The Girl and Her Noble Steed,” I too have a penchant for using quirky words in my everyday life. It’s a small touch of my personality that adds an extra layer of charm to the stories I write.

So, what’s my goal? It’s simple. I aim to bring smiles to children’s faces while sowing the seeds of wonder and wisdom in their minds. Why, you may wonder? Once upon a time, I was a wide-eyed dreamer navigating the complexities of growing up. But then Jesus found me, and in His love, I discovered peace and comfort. Now, I’m on a mission to remind kids that they are truly amazing. I want every child to understand that they are special and important and that God’s love for them is boundless.

This is just the first book in a series, and I plan to release Book 2 just in time for Easter, continuing the journey of faith and inspiration for young readers.

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Blog Stops

For the Love of Literature, January 6 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 8 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 9

Blossoms and Blessings, January 10 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 11

A Reader’s Brain, January 12 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 13

Vicky Sluiter, January 14 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 15

Beauty in the Binding, January 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 16

Lights in a Dark World, January 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 18 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 19

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kirthana is giving away the grand prize package of themed gift basket with a $50 Amazon gift card, signed hardcover copy of the book, a bookmark, a sticker, a bracelet and a keychain!!

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

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/2979a/the-girl-and-her-noble-steed-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review: The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz

QUICK FACTS

Title: The Seamstress of Acadie
Author: Laura Frantz
Genre: Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Revell (January 9, 2024)
Length: (416) pages
Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook
ISBN: 978-0800740689‎
Book Tour Dates: January 8 – 22, 2024

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

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PRAISE FOR THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE

“Frantz’s atmospheric writing is easy to sink into, from the grimness of the disease-riddled voyage to the ethereal Acadian landscape. While William and Sylvie’s romance is a slow burn, there’s a rewarding payoff to this tale of second chances born from tragedy. Frantz’s fans won’t be disappointed.”— Publisher’s Weekly

“This book is undoubtably one of the best books I've ever read. I loved the faith thread, I loved the light in the darkness theme, I loved the characters, I loved the hope brimming from almost every page. I loved the growth (through every struggle and triumph), and I loved the history embedded into each detail.”— Tasha, The Clean Read Book Club

“Fantastic story! The beautiful writing engages the reader from the beginning... Laura Frantz's books are exceptional because they evoke an abundance of emotions beyond the typical novel. I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction readers.”— Milena Bookish, Goodreads

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MY THOUGHTS

There are so many things to love about The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz. In this novel, I learned a bit of history as I knew nothing about the forced removal of the Acadians from their land (now Nova Scotia).  The author did an excellent job of representing external and internal conflicts of the time. Frantz handled Sylvie’s emotional trauma with enough weight to feel authentic, but not so much that it became a heavy read. I loved the weaving of Psalm 23 into Sylvie’s pain as it served to express Sylvie’s raw, honest emotion, yet it pointed her toward healing.

Though The Seamstress of Acadie hosted a lovely romance, the settings, historical events, and Sylvie’s character drove the plot until the romance with Will began later in the novel. Even then, life events demanded slow growth for their relationship. In true slow-burn style, Will and Sylvie had instant chemistry and lingering romantic tension, but it took time for them to work through their shared past and truly connect. I loved the fruition of their romance.  

The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz reads fine as a standalone novel, but characters from A Heart Adrift appear in the latter half as the stories run concurrent of each other. For the best experience, I recommend reading A Heart Adrift prior to The Seamstress of Acadie and having a physical copy of the latter novel. The Seamstress of Acadie includes an abundance of French words and flipping to the glossary in a physical book is easier than navigating back and forth on the kindle (at least for me). 4.5 Stars.

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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PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

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AUTHOR BIO

Bestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.

According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.

WEBSITE | X (Formerly Twitter) | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Book Review: The Lexicologist’s Handbook by Dane Cobain

About the Book:

Lexicologist

Pronunciation: Lec-sic-ol-oh-jist        Type: Noun

Definition: A student of language, particularly the components of language such as the nature or meaning of words. Also, a compiler or writer of a dictionary.

Example: The lexicologist was overjoyed to discover that lugubrious† is a word.

Whether you’re an author, a poet, a songwriter or a student, The Lexicologist’s Handbook will introduce you to words that you’ve never heard before and change the way that you look at language.

Like a traditional dictionary but with the boring words left out, The Lexicologist’s Handbook will help you to broaden your vocabulary and impress your friends while entertaining you along the way. It’s the perfect book for all lexophiles.

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My Thoughts:

I’m not one to sit and read the dictionary, but The Lexicologist’s Handbook by Dane Cobain intrigued me with its subtitle: A Dictionary of Unusual Words. Of course, what makes a word “unusual” is entirely subjective. Dane Cobain chose these words, and he considered them unusual. Some of the words were unusual to me (interlard), and some were not (lint). I found it fun to see how many words I already knew in each section. Chapter “F” contained sixty-two entries, and I knew 39 of them.

In The Lexicologist’s Handbook, the author would give a word entry which was followed by the pronunciation, grammatical part of speech, definition, and an example sentence. The pronunciation guide appeared to be Canadian or British English – similar to, but not the same as American English. The author noted that some words may act as more than one part of speech, depending on the sentence. In such situations, multiple sentences demonstrated the different uses. As for definition accuracy, I looked up some of the words in the Oxford English Dictionary, and Cobain’s definitions were in line. The example sentences were adequate, not particularly witty or entertaining. Learning new words and their definitions was what held my attention.

Content-wise, I must note that this book is intended for the adult general market. I noticed a tendency toward unnecessary sexuality in the example sentences.  For example, leitmotif (p. 184) – a theme that recurs throughout a musical composition or a literary piece. The example sentence: “The main leitmotif in Jeremy’s short story was his desire for animalistic sex.” Is animalistic sex something I want to read about? No. Could a non-sexual sentence have been used? Yes. Will other readers feel the same way as me? Maybe, or maybe not, but I am mentioning such content for readers who may have feelings one way or the other.

When I finished The Lexicologist’s Handbook: A Dictionary of Unusual Words by Dane Cobain I felt like a bit of a word-nerd, or a lexicologist, if you will. I marked many entries in the book as interesting words. Some of my favorites: flapdoodle, googlewhack, jeremiad, knurl, marmoreal, skald, and spondulicks.

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.

Book Spotlight: The Missing Link by Natasha D. Frazier

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Missing Link by Natasha D. Frazier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Missing Link
Series: The Langston Sisters #3
Author: Natasha D. Frazier
Publisher: Encouraging Works
Release Date: November 28, 2023
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Now that her sisters, Crystal and Ava, are moving on with their lives, it's time for Layla Langston to do the same. 

Experiencing burnout and lack of purpose, Layla is ready for a change and leaves Langston Brands to live life on her own terms. 

She dares to pursue her own dreams--dreams that lead her to start a new career as a journalist and thrust her in the middle of a murder investigation that just may put her life in danger. 

Mason Sterling's goal is twofold -- to get the best story possible and make Houston's local congresswoman pay for her crimes. What he doesn't want or need is anyone to tag along in the process. But when his boss hires Layla, and Mason is tasked with being her mentor, fighting their growing emotional bond is the least of his problems. 

He'll have to keep her safe to make a future with her a possibility.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt

Mason paced the vinyl flooring for far too many minutes. He’d never understood why hospitals even had emergency rooms because he’d never seen anyone acting with enough urgency—and his father being injured was an urgent matter.

Mason approached the nurse again. “Ma’am, I’m here to see Walter Sterling. Where’s the doctor?”

Another nurse walked into the area, and the desk nurse seemed relieved. She approached Mason. “May I have your name?”

“Mason Sterling. Walter Sterling is my father. I need to see him.”

She tapped the screen on an electronic tablet. “The doctor will be out to see you shortly. Please follow me.”

The nurse led him to a more private area and disappeared. How many more times did he have to hear the doctor would be out before he actually saw him or her?

Mason huffed and paced for another twenty minutes in the small space. He stopped short when an older Black woman wearing a white coat entered the room. When they locked eyes, his feet couldn’t move fast enough to get to her.

“I’m Mason Sterling. Is my father okay? When can I see him?”

He searched her eyes for any sign of his father’s health status, but her face was as emotionless as the nurse who led him into the room minutes ago.

“Hi, Mason. I’m Dr. Riley.” She gestured toward a nearby chair. “Please have a seat.”

“I’d rather stand. When can I see him?”

“I’m sorry, Mason. Your father didn’t make it.”

Mason stood paralyzed.

Unable to move.

Unable to speak.

Unable to think.

She continued talking, but the words tumbled out of her mouth like puzzle pieces of the same color. He couldn’t decipher a single word. Blood rushed to his brain. His heart raced fast enough for him to believe he’d need a hospital bed.

A knot formed in Mason’s throat that he couldn’t swallow. If he did, tears would overtake him. Pain settled there. His stomach taut. All of his muscles tightened.

Mason belted out, “No.” Air barely escaped his lungs as he had to force himself to breathe.

The pain in his chest was just as real physically as it was emotionally. His heart ripped into pieces. That was the only explanation for the stabbing sensation in his chest. His eyes stung as tears spilled down his cheeks soaking his collar.

He finally sat in that chair Dr. Riley suggested he take. She’d mentioned something about whether there was someone else she could call for him. Usually, his father would be that person, and now he had no one.

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More Books In This Series

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About the Author

Natasha D. Frazier fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink. 

When she isn’t reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

Connect with Natasha by visiting natashafrazier.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a book box which includes book-related swag & a signed print copy of The Missing Link

(1) winner will win a $10 Amazon gift card

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 8, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 15, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Book Review: The Evangelical Imagination by Karen Swallow Prior

About the Book:

Contemporary American evangelicalism is suffering from an identity crisis--and a lot of bad press.

In this book, acclaimed author Karen Swallow Prior examines evangelical history, both good and bad. By analyzing the literature, art, and popular culture that has surrounded evangelicalism, she unpacks some of the movement's most deeply held concepts, ideas, values, and practices to consider what is Christian rather than merely cultural. The result is a clearer path forward for evangelicals amid their current identity crisis--and insight for others who want a deeper understanding of what the term "evangelical" means today.

Brought to life with color illustrations, images, and paintings, this book explores ideas including conversion, domesticity, empire, sentimentality, and more. In the end, it goes beyond evangelicalism to show us how we might be influenced by images, stories, and metaphors in ways we cannot always see.

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My Thoughts:

The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images & Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis by Karen Swallow Prior (KSP) carries a balanced, academic tone that conveys the author’s knowledge and professionalism. This book is not KSP railing madly at evangelicals. Rather, it is a book written by an informed evangelical who is concerned about current church culture issues. I actually expected far more censure and calls to action by the author.

The text of The Evangelical Imagination should be read with care. Occasionally, I had to reread a section to completely grasp the ideas presented. Concepts such as imagination, sentimentality, and materiality are presented at a college-level understanding. Still, KSP keeps the book accessible by giving detailed explanations that readers, including those without a religious background, would understand. There is a large notes section at the end for curious people like me.

In The Evangelical Imagination, KSP keeps mostly to history and literature as she addresses her topics. Surprisingly, she mostly bypassed examining Biblical narratives that contribute to church culture. She did address certain teachings and lines of thought/expectation that swirl in today's evangelical culture.

The Evangelical Imagination by Karen Swallow Prior gave me much to think about and made me want to read several of her works cited. Even though I grew up in the evangelical church, I still learned a lot from this book and the “Empire” chapter was especially enlightening. The book is best suited for those interested in the topic of evangelical church culture but who also enjoy historical art and literature.

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.