Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Book Spotlight: Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller

Until Our Time Comes JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


Until Our Time Comes Title: Until Our Time Comes 
Author: Nicole M. Miller 
Publisher: Revell 
Release Date: July 2, 2024 
Genre: WWII Historical Romance 

American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor to the US are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn. 

Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other. 

Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river.

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


Excerpt


Her back was turned to Bret, though the angle of her head and her elegant stance sparked something in the back of his mind. She had the recognizable, practiced posture of an equestrian—something he recalled from his own time on horseback and among Olympians.

Ludwik and the woman leaned over the harness of a cart horse, lost in their discussion. The leather straps were crisp and new, and it appeared the woman was helping fit the cart to the small, chestnut- colored mare. Babka was sorting through the fruit and helping old man Pieter with his purchase. The thief stood in their midst casually, his relaxed posture almost seeming bored.

Bret needed that watch back—it was too priceless an heirloom to lose so embarrassingly to a little pickpocket. And yet the scene intrigued him.

“Amerykanka? Can we go now?” the boy said in heavily accented English. He reached up and tugged her sleeve impatiently.

The woman turned, her features fully in Bret’s view now as she smiled brilliantly while speaking with Ludwik. She stroked the horse’s neck confidently, kindly. “Yes, soon,” she assured the boy before resuming her conversation with Ludwik.

Something tightened in his chest. He knew of this Amerykanka. Everyone in Wygoda knew of this woman. She was a rarity. An outsider beyond what even he, a Brit, could boast.

The American horse trainer. Adia Kensington.

About the Author

Nicole M. Miller

Nicole M. Miller lives in Washington State with her husband and two sons, along with her Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. As a longtime horse owner, she's been involved in many horse organizations, including serving on the Clark County Fair Court and as Miss Teen Rodeo Washington. She's received national and regional awards for her nonfiction from American Horse Publications and the Society of Professional Journalists. See her stories in The Horse of My Heart, The Horse of My Dreams, The Dog Who Came to Christmas, and Second-Chance Horses.

Connect with Nicole by visiting NicoleMillerWriter.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Until Our Time Comes and a $25 gift card to Bookshop.org!

Until Our Time Comes JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 17, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Author Interview: Ransomed Peace by Kathleen J. Robison



About the Book



Book: Ransomed Peace

Author: Kathleen J. Robison

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 11, 2024

When romance fails the romance writer…

After being terrorized in an abusive relationship, Roxanne Cook finally feels like she’s starting to heal. Even though her mother is ill, her return to Bay Town and the arrest of her ex-boyfriend has allowed anxieties to slip away and has renewed her faith in God. Even her faith in romance seems to be restored as she develops a school-girl crush on a certain Max Tippet.

Everything comes crashing down, however, when Roxanne finds out her ex-boyfriend is released from jail. As her new-found peace unravels, Roxanne realizes that shedding her fears isn’t the same as facing them.

How will she trust in God to provide her the courage to escape the cycle that almost killed her?

Click here to get your copy!


About the Author


Kathleen is an Okinawan-American. Born in Okinawa, raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels lend themselves to the settings in her books, and her large family provides fun fodder for her characters. She and her Pastor husband have eight adult children. Seven are married, blessing them with sixteen grandchildren, and more on the way! Her ethnically diverse family of 33 plus personalities presents many opportunities to write about God’s amazing love amid trials, tragedies, and blessings. He is the one true inspiration and hope for us all.


More from Kathleen

For some, Ransomed Peace may be a hard story to read. It was a hard story to write. But rest assured, it’s a romance, and I guarantee a happily ever after! One of my favorite passages in the bible teaches that beauty from ashes lends hope that rises from hardships. Ransomed Peace begins with domestic violence. By God’s grace, I’ve never been a victim of it, but someone very close to me was. It was long ago, and unfortunately, at the time, I had no idea how to help her other than to aid in her rescue and give her refuge from the situation. But even then, that wasn’t the solution. Fortunately, today, many programs, housing, and counseling are available for those who suffer this horrible crime, but it continues and can happen to anyone. I encourage victims to seek professional help. It is as close as the internet or your local church body. Here’s the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233.

In Ransomed Peace, the main character, Roxanne, is a victim. As in all my books, God is the ultimate answer to any problem. But just as Roxanne was urged to seek help, I urge all victims to take action. Especially preventative action. Drawing and staying close to the Lord through His Word, prayer, and relationship with other God-fearing believers will aid in avoiding toxic people. Together, we can learn to follow and obey God’s guidance, allowing us to make the right choices in relationships. Sometimes, such as in the case of children, a choice is not possible, but God’s help always is. As we step in and walk alongside victims, we have the opportunity to help them to seek Jesus. His solution is eternal.

In my Romantic Suspense books, I choose to write about difficult real-life situations because, as a Pastor’s wife, I’ve prayed and walked with many women. Nobody’s life is perfect or ideal, and everyone suffers something. A reader wrote to me once, sharing how my book had encouraged her to walk with the Lord in areas of her life she hadn’t thought about before. She was secure in her salvation, yet she said it wasn’t until she read one of my books that she realized that living a life of purpose in all areas was possible. And it is! That’s the non-fiction part of my books. Whether our difficulties are past or present, we always need to be pointed to God’s Word in everything, not just for bliss on earth, which is never going to happen, but for the hope of our future with Him in heaven one day.

Sometimes, we are victims of circumstance and are blindsided by a force we can’t seem to contend with. Sometimes, we suffer the consequences of violence because of a bad decision we’ve made, yet it is still unjustly deserved. Whatever the cause, God loves us, and Jesus knows and feels our plight. He lived it, and there is a way out. God’s plan is for us to live for His glory.

I pray my books will inspire all to seek Him and follow Him in every phase of life. “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;” Isaiah 61:3. Giving Him the ashes from our tragedies so He can restore joy for His praise is to live with joy over the blessings, and to find joy in Him through our sufferings.

The Lord uses people to help us live a life worthy of Him, in good times and bad. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why I created Bay Town. A community that represents real life in some way. As you read the Bay Town Series, I hope you’ll be inspired and encouraged by the characters that help one another. Trustworthy authority figures like Chief Bert and Pastor Desmond and good role models like Melanie Thompson Brooks and Max Tippet. And you’ll love the little comic relief provided through Tina, Lyla, and Bethie Cook. At some point, you’ll meet the same people in each book and hopefully come to love them as I have. Each story is unique, and each stands alone, championing themes of hope! As you read the series, you’ll become a part of Bay Town. A community that lives to watch out for one another and purposes to love and serve God.


Author Interview with Kathleen


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

Kathleen: My writing process is a whirlwind of creativity. I start with a bang, drafting the first 50,000 words in just thirty days as part of Nanowrimo, National Novel Writing Month. From there, it's a race to the finish line, with the first draft usually completed within another month. So, with a little divine inspiration, I can churn out the zero draft in two months.


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

Kathleen: I always have a spiritual mentor or two in every book, and it’s the main character’s mother. She tells her daughter,

“Don’t undervalue the women at Bay Town.” Her mother pointed upwards. “Most important, don’t underestimate God.”

“Yes, I’m getting that lesson hammered into my brain.”

“Well, don’t be such a hard piece of wood, dear.” Her mother laughed.



Q: If the book was made into a movie, who should play the main characters?

Kathleen: Choosing actors to portray my characters is always a fun exercise. For Roxanne, I envision Anne Hathaway, capturing her vulnerability and strength. And for Dwayne, the antagonist, I see Josh Brolin, who can bring out the character's menacing side while still showing a few sympathetic traits…very few. As for Max, I'm drawn to Jude Law's charm and strength, which I think would be a perfect fit.


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

Kathleen: I swam competitively in High School, and I lived in Singapore for two years during that time. Our school competed in an Island Meet, and I swam against Singapore’s only Olympic Swimmer! All the other contestants joked that when the gun shot off, we didn’t make it off the starting blocks before she was climbing out of the pool at the other end!


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Kathleen: Is playing with grandkids a hobby? Because that’s what I adore the most! Seriously, I have too many hobbies to count. Among them are outdoor gardening, house plants, crocheting, junk journaling, sketching, and sewing. I just love to create. But I’d have to say that I crave writing. I have to turn off the keyboard in my brain when watching TV, driving, or walking. All I want to do is to write. For me, it’s like reading a good book. I can’t wait to finish writing a good book. I’m so grateful that the Lord gave me this desire to share His purpose through stories. The joy and excitement I feel when I'm crafting a story is unparalleled.


Blog Stops


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 8

Artistic Nobody, July 9 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 10

Stories By Gina, July 11 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 12

For the Love of Literature, July 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 13

lakesidelivingsite, July 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 15 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 16

Beauty in the Binding, July 17 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, July 18

Guild Master, July 19 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 19

An Author’s Take, July 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 21 (Author Interview)


Giveaway


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

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

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/2cd01/ransomed-peace-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, July 12, 2024

Book Review: Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson

Her Part to Play JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


Her Part to Play Title: Her Part to Play 
Author: Jenny Erlingsson 
Publisher: Revell 
Release Date: June 18, 2024 
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Desperate for extra income after her mother's passing, Adanne accepts a last-minute job as a makeup artist for a movie filming in her small Alabama hometown. She's working to save her parents' legacy and help her brother, but the money hardly seems worth having to face the actor who got her fired from her last job in Hollywood.

John Pope has made his share of mistakes over the years. But after turning his life over to God and enduring a messy breakup, he's ready to start rebuilding his career. Imagine his surprise when the woman called in to cover for his usual makeup artist is a quiet but feisty newcomer on the set--and definitely not a fan. 

Sparks of tension--and could that be attraction?--fly between them, but Adanne hates the spotlight, and John's scheming manager has bigger plans for him than to end up with the humble makeup girl from the small-town South. Can these star-crossed lovers find their way to happiness? Or will the bright lights of Hollywood blind their eyes to what's right in front of them? 

Debut author Jenny Erlingsson's diverse cast comes alive with faith, romance, and a touch of humor to create a story worthy of the big screen.

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


Excerpt


Adanne swallowed. How’d she go from a sleepy makeup artist to standing in as an extra? Most of the scenes were blocked before she finished applying the makeup. Surely someone else could do this with the stunt double instead of her standing in the last place she wanted to be . . . at the center of everyone’s attention.

Before she could come up with a better alternative, the stand-in sauntered out of an office building adjacent to the general store. Except, it wasn’t a double.

He approached her, adjusting the suspenders attached to his trousers as he listened to the production assistant who was walking beside him. Adanne blinked, swallowing down the bile rising in her throat. Surely the Lord would allow the Alabama clay to open and swallow her right up. Away from the man she’d been grateful to avoid since she’d stepped foot on set. The careless actor whose antics got her fired three years ago.

My Thoughts

Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson was a pleasure to read. Many elements of the story drew me, but the theme about God doing new, fresh things in a person’s life (taken from Isaiah 43) resonated with me most. My present life circumstances made this theme particularly effective and gave me a right-book-at-the-right time experience. The hope and spiritual truth I gleaned from the novel has continued to encourage me in the days since finishing the story.

I also enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers romance in Her Part to Play. Since the animosity was fairly one-sided, the story also held friends-to-lovers vibes that laid a nice foundation for the romantic development between Adanne and John. While physical attraction appeared frequently, it was never lusty. Plenty of emotional connection and genuine care grew between the characters, making the fruition of their relationship beautiful.

Her Part to Play had a realistic small-town Alabama setting (except for the scenes set in Hollywood). Dialogue between the characters, as well as Adanne’s thoughts, gave an authentic, Alabama feel to the story. Though Adanne’s family served as side characters, they felt lively, real, and made me wish for family like that. Every so often, one of her family members spoke a statement that held a heap of life truth that made me laugh out loud or pause to truly take it in, depending on the situation. Looking back, I see I marked many quotes in the novel.

Her Part to Play stands as Jenny Erlingsson’s fiction debut and I hope she’ll continue her fiction work. I loved everything about this book. Recommended for fans of Christian fiction who enjoy contemporary romances with sparking chemistry, racial diversity, and poignant truth.  Five 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.


About the Author

Jenny Erlingsson

Jenny Erlingsson is an author and speaker of Nigerian descent. After 12 years working in junior high and women's ministry, she moved with her family from Alabama to Iceland. When she's not running after her four kids or ministering alongside her husband, she can be found writing romantic fiction and creative nonfiction to inspire deep faith in diverse settings, as well as encouraging other writers. Her other writings have been featured on (in)courage, Live Original, Velvet Ashes, and more. And in the margins, you might find her reading five books at a time with a side of Icelandic chocolate.

Connect with Jenny by visiting JennyErlingsson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Her Part to Play and a $25 gift card to Bookshop.org!

Her Part to Play JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 10, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 17, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Author Interview: 12 Ways to Age Gracefully by Susan U. Neal



About the Book



Book: 12 Ways to Age Gracefully: How to Look and Feel Younger

Author: Susan U. Neal

Genre: Nonfiction, Christian Living, Healthy Living

Release date: May 28, 2024

Embrace the Youthful Spirit at Any Age.

As you face the mirror each day, do you meet an older version of yourself? It’s a familiar journey, one where we acknowledge that we’re not as young as we once were, yet not quite ready to embrace being old. But what if there was a way to traverse this path with grace and vitality?

The good news is you can slow time down. By making the right choices, you can look and feel younger. You don’t have to spend a fortune on products either; simply learn the tools needed to move gracefully and joyfully through your senior years.

By making simple lifestyle changes, you’ll look and feel better. Discover how to choose vitality over disease; joy over depression; youthfulness over listlessness. 12 Ways to Age Gracefully, will empower you to:

  • boost your energy levels,
  • improve senior brain health,
  • learn how to feel better about yourself,
  • develop better stress management, and
  • fulfill your God-appointed purpose with renewed vigor.

What path will you choose? Discover the secrets to not just feeling better but also looking fantastic as you do so!

Click here to get your copy!


About the Author



Susan Neal, an RN with an MBA and MHS, combines her passion for health and her faith to guide others toward wellness. As an acclaimed author and health coach, her works including the transformative 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates aim to uplift the health of the Christian community for God’s service. To help fulfill that mission, she wrote, Eat God’s Food: A Kid’s Guide to Healthy Eating.


Author Interview with Susan


Q: Please give us a little introduction to your book.

Many people are surprised to learn my true age, often remarking that I appear ten years younger. They frequently inquire about the secrets behind my youthful appearance. Now in my sixties, I attribute my vitality to a commitment to wholesome living, a testament to the power of integrating scientific findings into everyday routines. In my newest release, 12 Ways to Age Gracefully, I included a blend of scientific knowledge and personal wellness strategies that will empower readers to reclaim their health, vitality, and optimal weight. I wrote this book from a holistic perspective going beyond mere diet and exercise. It delves into a wide range of topics including the minimization of toxin exposure, balancing hormones, cultivation of a positive mental state, enhancement of brain health, all while weaving these practices into a sustainable lifestyle.


Q: What was the most surprising thing you discovered while researching and writing this book?

I enjoy uncovering fascinating scientific facts. When I was conducting my research for my newest release, 12 Ways to Age Gracefully, I discovered our genes can turn and off based upon our health choices. It is empowering to know that possessing a gene linked to Alzheimer’s, doesn’t seal one’s fate—especially when proactive steps toward health are taken. This book is full of compelling scientific insights written in easy-to-understand language.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from your book?

Twelve years ago when I suffered from ten medical diagnoses and two surgeries, I lost hope. Now that I’ve recovered, I have a passion to guide others on their own path to restore their health and zest for life. My desire is for my readers to experience the robust health and vitality they were divinely designed to enjoy. I want my book, 12 Ways to Age Gracefully to be a beacon of hope that they can recover their well-being and embrace life with an optimistic spirit. My aim is for every reader to greet each new day with joy and boundless energy, eager to pursue their God-ordained purpose.


Q: In what setting do you enjoy writing the most?

I enjoy writing on my back porch, taking in the view of my fruit orchard and soothing sounds of birds. This connection with nature brings me a sense of closeness to God and serenity. The tranquility of the outdoors makes writing there a joy. Additionally, I've set up a standing desk to keep active while I work. Beneath it, there's a compact stair stepper, allowing me to exercise as I write.


Q: What do you wish you’d known when you were younger?

I wish I had known how to improve my health through my diet. I try to make it simple, look at your plate and see if you’re eating food that came off of a ranch or out of a garden. That’s God’s foods. When a food manufacturer strips the food of its God-given nutrients and shreds it and puts it into a shape and color that is indistinguishable from the original product, we shouldn't eat it. Those food-like substances contribute greatly to our health problems including autoimmune diseases, food sensitivities, and gastrointestinal health problems. I had no idea how harmful it was to feed my kids hot dogs on white flour bun and macaroni and cheese.


More from Susan

Welcome to the Journey of Graceful Aging with 12 Ways to Age Gracefully

 As we embark on this exciting blog tour for my newest book, 12 Ways to Age Gracefully: How to Look and Feel Younger, I’m thrilled to share the passion and purpose behind this project. This journey is about more than just sharing information; it’s about embracing each year with joy and vitality. This isn’t just a book tour; it’s a movement towards embracing a more vibrant, healthful approach to our advancing years.


Inspiration Behind the Book

The inspiration for 12 Ways to Age Gracefully stems from my personal journey of losing my health. After facing significant health challenges a decade ago, I’ve been on a quest to inspire others to improve their health and optimal weight. This book is my way of sharing those solutions, offering guidance on how to maintain vitality, strength, and joy as we age.

When a person integrates the holistic practices in this book, they not only combat the physical signs of aging but also enhance their overall well-being. This book is a culmination of years of research and personal trials that has been put into practical, actionable strategies that anyone can adopt to enrich their lives.


What Makes This Book Unique?

What sets 12 Ways to Age Gracefully apart is its holistic approach, blending scientific insights with practical wisdom along with spiritual considerations. Each chapter is crafted to help you implement changes that have profound effects not just on your physical health, but on your mental and spiritual well-being too.

This book isn’t just a guide; it’s an invitation to reevaluate lifestyles and make decisions that can profoundly impact health and happiness. To add a practical component to the book, each chapter concludes with a list of Personal and Practical Applications for the reader to evaluate and incorporate into their daily routines.

 

A Fun, Interactive Element

To make this journey interactive and truly beneficial, 12 Ways to Age Gracefully introduces a “21-Day Age Gracefully Challenge.” This challenge encourages readers to apply one tip from the book each day, helping to form habits that lead to long-lasting health improvements. It’s a great way for readers to engage actively with the content and see real changes.


Join Us on This Tour

Throughout this blog tour, hosted on Celebrate Lit, we’ll share more behind-the-scenes details, stories from readers who are already experiencing the benefits of the strategies in the book, and additional tips and surprises along the way.

I invite you to join in, leave comments, and share your experiences. And you can find out more about healthy living at my website. Aging gracefully is more than just a concept—it’s a practical, joyful path that we can choose every day. Let’s walk this path together, learning and growing as we go!


Blessings,

Susan Neal

This blog post is your gateway into a world where aging is not feared but embraced with energy and enthusiasm. Follow along on the tour for inspiration, community stories, and practical advice that can transform the way you view aging. Let’s age not just gracefully, but joyfully and purposefully!


Blog Stops


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 3

Lots of Helpers, July 3

Inspired by Fiction, July 4

Vicky Sluiter, July 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 6

Texas Book-aholic, July 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 10

Beauty in the Binding, July 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 12

Splashes of Joy, July 13

Artistic Nobody, July 14 (Author Interview)

An Author’s Take, July 15

Lily’s Corner, July 16


Giveaway

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

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

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/2d112/12-ways-to-age-gracefully-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Book Spotlight: Sounds Like a Plan by Multiple Authors

Sounds Like A Plan JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Sounds Like a Plan by Lorna Seilstad, Eleanor Bertin, Sara Davison, Brenda S. Anderson, and Stacy Monson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


Sounds Like a Plan

Title: Sounds Like a Plan: Stories of Change and the God Who Doesn't
Authors:
Lorna Seilstad, Eleanor Bertin, Sara Davison, Brenda S. Anderson, Stacy Monson
Publisher:
The Mosaic Collection
Release Date:
July 10, 2024
Genre:
Christian Fiction Anthology

A Baby in the Mix by Lorna Seilstad
Not By Chance by Eleanor Bertin
Five Things You Know About Me by Sara Davison
Mercy’s Detour by Brenda S. Anderson
Piper’s Sweet Dream by Stacy Monson

What Reviewers are Saying About The Mosaic Collection Anthologies:  

Each is a picture of God’s grace working in the hearts of hurting people through individual writing styles.  

Each author has her own voice, yet somehow they all fit perfectly together.  

The stories are just the right length to relax with at the end of a long day.  

I love these Mosaic author anthologies. These are stories about real people with real problems and emotions. 

Such beautifully written, inspirational short stories with themes of grace, forgiveness, love, and peace.  

Uplifting stories of ordinary people dealing with their faith and life’s struggles.  

Thank you to all the Mosaic Collection authors for giving us more lovely stories to remind us that we will never be alone as God is always with us. 

Each of these faith-based fiction stories in Sounds Like a Plan is uniquely and beautifully written with believable characters sustained by the amazing grace of God. Memorable, touching, inspiring, and a true reading pleasure. May you be blessed by this collection. 

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


Excerpt from Not By Chance


Engrossed in her search of the Classics bookshelves, Lily did not see the crash. But the deafening bang of metal slamming on brick made her jump, her whole body flinching. Glass sprayed the room when the front window to her right shattered. Screams from the bookstore clerk and others outside on the street pierced the air. Pinpricks peppered her right arm and leg. She brought her hand to her cheek, gasping when it came away bloody.

The shock rooted her to the floor. She gaped at the broken store window below which the crumpled front end of a car intruded through the cracked wall. Behind the spiderwebbed windshield of the vehicle, a woman’s head slumped onto the steering wheel.

In a moment, a warm presence enveloped Lily from behind. “Are you alright?” A deep, reassuring voice urged in her ear, “Let’s get you to the back, out of harm’s way,”

Mute, Lily pointed to the injured driver, then cast a panicked look at the man behind her.

He rushed to the shop door, yanking futilely on the handle, then scanned the smashed window, calling to the victim, who stirred slightly. He turned back to Lily. “The whole wall has shifted from the impact. But she’s alive. We can only pray the ambulance arrives quickly.” He pulled a phone from his pocket and punched in the number. A deep crease between his dark eyebrows only relaxed once the message had been relayed.

Excerpt from Five Things You Know About Me


The place had been updated although, thankfully, it still smelled of roasting coffee beans and fresh-baked scones. Andrea drew in a deep breath in a desperate bid to quell the emotions swirling through her like the foam designs on most of the hot drinks she could see.

Mario half stood as she pulled out her chair, and she gestured for him to sit.

“I hope you don’t mind. The line-up was long, so I took the liberty …” He nodded at the paper cup sitting at her place, steam curling from the hole in the lid. A massive chocolate chip cookie lay on a napkin next to it.

Andrea settled on the seat and wrapped her fingers around the cup, lifting it closer to inhale the steam. A frozen drink would have been more appropriate, given the weather, but it was never a bad time for chai tea latte.

Mario inclined his head toward the cup. “Still your favorite?”

“It is, actually. Thank you.”

“The cookie too?”

“Of course not, since I’m a grown-up now and only eat grown-up desserts.”

“Grown-up desserts.”

“That’s right.”

A gleam ignited in his eyes as he grasped the edge of the napkin and dragged it closer to himself. “Then you won’t mind if I …”

With the tip of her finger, Andrea stabbed the corner of the napkin nearest her to hold it in place. “Leave it.”


About the Author

Lorna Seilstad  Eleanor Bertin

Lorna Seilstad delves into life’s complexities with a generous dash of humor. She is a Carol Award finalist and the author of nine novels including the Lake Manawa Summers series and the Gregory Sisters series. Her stories are part of several novella collections. When she isn’t eating chocolate, she teaches women’s Bible classes, runs a toy store, volunteers with 4-H, and is a wedding planner. She has three adult children and lives in Iowa with her Pyredoodle named Honey Bea.

Connect with Lorna at lornaseilstad.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

From her home in central Alberta, Canada, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity. 

She is the author of The Ties That Bind series, Lifelines, Unbound, and Tethered, the Burning Bright series, Flame of Mercy and Flicker of Trust, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She lives with her husband of 40 years and their youngest son, in what will someday be a beautiful century home.

Connect with Eleanor at eleanorbertinauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Sara Davison   

Sara Davison is the author of The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo, two sparrows for a penny, and In the Shadows series, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara at saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic and gritty life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She enjoys live sports and theater, walking along the shores of Lake Superior, sharing hot cocoa with friends and family, and taking road trips with her newly retired husband. She lives near Minneapolis with her husband and their mischievous twin kitties. Connect with Brenda at brendaandersonbooks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates. 

Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of stories that reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Residing in the beautiful, peaceful countryside outside of the Twin Cities with an old dog and 17 chickens, she has two kids, two wonderful in-law kids, and adores being G'ma to 7 amazing grandchildren. 

Connect with Stacy at stacymonson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of Sounds Like a Plan, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a piano music CD by Eleanor Bertin's son!

Sounds Like a Plan JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 9, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 16, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Saturday, July 6, 2024

June 2024 Reading Recap & July 2024 TBR

 My June 2024 Reads: 


  1. Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review available 7/12/24.

  2. Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐½  - A moving story of friendship and healing. Read my review.

  3. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - My daughters and I enjoyed reading this one aloud!

  4. When the Ocean Roars by Charlsie Estess - ⭐⭐⭐ - This book had a gorgeous cover and promising blurb, but needed serious developmental edits.



Expected July 2024 Reads:
  1. The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold - My local book club's July selection.
  2.  
  3. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!

  4. Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund.

  5. Think This Not That by Dr. Josh Axe - Currently reading.




What will you read this month?