Author Interview: Collision Course by Millie Norwich Inman

About the Book

Book: Collision Course

Author: Millie Norwich Inman

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: January 17, 2024

The shocking death of the popular Prince of Wales launches his young heir from innocent childhood into a roiling caldron of jealousy and intrigue. Set in all the glory of eighteenth century England, the young crown prince is urgently prepared for his aged grandfather’s throne.  Under the wing of his godly mentor, the prince staggers through a minefield of hazards.

Parallel to the prince’s journey, is the story of a down-and-out firebrand statesman, considering retirement from the House of Commons because he’s under the king’s extreme disfavor. An alliance between the two ensures the prince’s safe ascension. It also renders his godly mentor and the statesman, the two most powerful men in Great Britain. Then, in the face of escalating war, a shocking twist changes everything.

Collision Course is a slice of real history with real people fleshed out and facing the real challenges of living in a fallen world.  It shatters stereotypes as it treks through England’s finest gardens and dines with kings and statesmen all the while peering into the universal nature of the human soul and the heartbeat of corrupted constitutional government. This is the true, untold story of alliance, ambition, betrayal, war, loss, and recovery that set the world stage for the American Revolution.

Click here to get your copy!

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About the Author

Millie Norwich Inman holds a Bachelor of Arts cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis. She taught school and raised a family before dabbling in freelance for periodicals.  A fair measure of success added to profound sorrow over the loss of Western Civilization culture and history, launched her into extensive research for this engaging slice of pre-American Revolution history. On two trips to England she read at the British Library and Richmond Records Office, and traipsed through fabulous architecture and scrumptious gardens. At home in Texas, she took advantage of the Trinity University, Rice University, and University of Texas San Antonio Libraries, as well as the amazing Inter-Library Loan System from her hometown Boerne Library. Similar to the research style of NYT bestseller, America’s First Daughter, some of the wittiest dialogue in Collision Course has been lifted and adapted from original letters.

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Author Interview with Millie

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

Millie: The inspiration for Collision Course was gnawing awareness that history and classical literature were being scoured from our schools. I was writing free-lance for periodicals while grieving the loss of Western Civilization. There’s wisdom that satisfies the soul in classical literature. And people that don’t know history are condemned to repeat its worst miseries.

I decided to research mid-eighteenth century England to find true causes behind the American Revolution. An untold story clarified, populated with amazing characters that might entice my children and grandchildren to thirst for more. I wrote Collision Course lovingly for posterity— yours and mine, and thoroughly enjoyed it myself. I wanted upcoming generations to find the love of God and personal virtue are the bulwark of our freedom. This book is a clarion call for young and old to taste afresh the sweetness of the British legacy behind America’s founding vision: the Creator God, His gift of inalienable rights to all men, equal justice, and sweet liberty.


Q: What surprised you while you wrote this story?

Millie: I would have to say, I saw up close the addictive nature of political power and the obsessive ability of jealousy, surprised me. Of course, it’s pride that allows these sins to flourish, dominate, and decimate a soul.


Q: What you hope the readers will take away from this story?

Millie: I pray everyone will find amusement and affirmation. Collision Course is a painless course in civics and human nature. So, I pray the reader increases knowledge, and wisdom. I hope everyone can name two reasons the American Revolution was guaranteed before George III mounted the throne of England. And I pray the reader gains a new appreciation for America’s British legacy: bicameral legislature, checks and balances, inalienable God-given rights, a just court system for all with jury peers, liberty, liberty, liberty.


Q: How long did it take to write Collision Course?

Millie: It took about ten about ten leisurely years including research and editing.


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

Millie: www.millienorwichinman.com

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More from Millie

Collision Course is a walk in the park to smell the roses compared to an all-nighter-adrenalin-rush. And the third Earl of Bute is a reluctant hero-protagonist. He’s far more interested in creating calming garden vistas than in jumping into the heart of a rough-housing political fray.

Lord Bute is John Stuart (b. 1713), a descendant of the Stuart kings of Scotland on his father’s side and the powerful Campbell Clan on his mother’s. Branches of the Campbell Clan were still known as the fiercest of highland fighters when Bute was in his twenties. The Highlanders identified as Catholics but knew little of Jesus, and I dare say, never seemed to have heard of the Bible. So, their war-like tendencies really went berserk, after the Bloodless Revolution of 1688. Whenever the banished Catholic heir, the debauched “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” felt sufficiently resentful to sail back from France and contend for the crown, he’d swing by Scotland and enlist belligerent Highlanders. On these occasions, the Campbells would take a respite from murdering the MacDonalds and bludgeoning Lowlander Presbyterians, to gleefully enlist for a bloody tromp into England.

However, by the third “Bonnie Prince” invasion in 1745, Lord Bute’s branch of the Campbell Clan had experienced a come to Jesus. Godly education had become a family priority. Since Lord Bute’s godly father had died when he was nine, his godly mother had tucked him under the wings of her two godly Campbell brothers. Bute’s Campbell uncles were entrenched in the Edinburg intelligentsia. Intellectuals were Christians. Enlightenment academics followed Christians. Bute’s Campbell family branch were Scotland’s civic leaders, innovators in banking, business, jurisprudence, and republican statesmanship in addition to their stellar reputations in science, theology, medicine, and literature.

Lord Bute’s Campbell uncles, along with his Stuart father, were instrumental in the forming the United Kingdom and in installing Protestant royalty, to act in the interest of all their subjects, on the throne of England. The value of the common man was a novel idea. Bute’s uncles ran the elections for nineteen Scottish representatives to Parliament in Westminster. So, it’s really no wonder, that in the third invasion of Prince Charlie tyrants, three contingents of militia from the Campbell Clan fought for British liberty under George II’s favorite son, the Duke of Cumberland. Campbells fought Campbells.

It was in this third invasion that the young protagonist prince’s uncle, the Duke of Cumberland, became feared as “The Butcher.” After Cumberland led the government’s final victory, and as the “Bonnie Prince” slipped away on his ship back to France, the Duke of Cumberland ran a genocide campaign of the most war-like Highlanders (30 something Campbells). That ended the north Britain invasions and turned thoughts to a walk in the park-like gardens. Let Collision Course begin.

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Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 20

Simple Harvest Reads, September 21 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 22

Artistic Nobody, September 23 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 24

Fiction Book Lover, September 25 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, September 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 28

Vicky Sluiter, September 29 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, September 30

Blossoms and Blessings, October 1 (Author Interview)

Beauty in the Binding, October 2 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, October 3 (Author Interview)

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Millie is giving away the grand prize of a copy of the book and a $75 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: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5446

Book Spotlight: Inferno by Lisa Phillips

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Inferno by Lisa Phillips hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Inferno 

Series: Benson First Responders #9 

Author: Lisa Phillips 

Publisher: Two Dogs Publishing, LLC 

Release Date: September 4, 2024 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

BIG CITY CRIME. SMALL TOWN HEROES

An epic finale. 

Detective Samantha Jesse is determined to hold on to what she has. Whenever she gets too happy, life corrects that mistake and takes the joy from her. Her new partner, Detective Romeo Alvarez, was there the day of the biggest correction, but despite his assertions, that doesn’t mean they’re forever connected. Unless her worst fears come true and he changes his ways because he fell in love at first sight with her sister, Bristol. As if Samantha needs that complication in her quiet life. 

A love rekindled. 

Fire Department Captain Julio Espinoza-Vasquez has never let go of the love of his life. Raised by deaf parents, he sees the world in ways no one else around him ever will. And he’ll put it all on the line to protect his colleagues—the family that the department has given him. When a spate of suspicious fires and one death make it clear something is happening in Benson, Julio lands on an inter-department task force. Working with Samantha is his one shot at getting her back. 

As the hunt for the arsonist turns to targeted attacks, Julio puts it all on the line to save Samantha while she investigates these deadly crimes. Only together can they uncover the culprit. But not before Benson becomes an inferno. 

Each Benson First Responders book is a stand-alone Christian Romantic Suspense.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Lisa Phillips | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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More Books from this Series

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Excerpt

Julio might agree, but he wasn’t about to express it like that. Besides, he was far more interested in that look on Samantha’s face. The way her eyes lit up as she ran down the details of the case. She had always loved what she did. No matter what it was, she only did things she believed in. That meant when she was busy working, she put her whole heart and soul into what she was doing.

And the satisfaction she got out of it was plain on her face.

Once upon a time, he had put that look on her face as well, the one that made her seem so much brighter. …

He wanted to figure out how to see the expression of pure joy on her face again— because of him. Not just for the sake of bringing the past back to life, but because she deserved to have that much happiness. Maybe she didn’t want it with him now. He might have to accept that it was too late. But the truth was, he’d never been able to let go of her.

He knew she had lost a partner in the last year. Did she want some of that joy again?

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About the Author

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after. Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Inferno and a merch pack!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 30, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 7, 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

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

Author Interview: The End Begins by Sara Davison

About the Book

Book: The End Begins (Rerelease)

Author: Sara Davison

Genre: Dystopian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 15, 2024

Which of them is the prisoner and which one is free?

Bookstore owner Meryn O’Reilly and Army Captain Jesse Christensen are on opposite sides of a battle. After a series of terrorist attacks in 2053, martial law has been declared in Canada and the military has taken over. When a radical Christian group claims responsibility, Jesse and his platoon are sent to Meryn’s city to keep an eye on the Christians and ensure they are not stepping outside the confines of the law.

Fiery and quick-tempered, Meryn chafes under the curfew and other restrictions to her freedom. Jesse is equally amused, intrigued, and terrified by her spirit, knowing she could end up in prison if she shows defiance to the wrong soldier, namely Lieutenant Gallagher.

Jesse watches out for Meryn when possible, although she wants nothing to do with him. His worst fears are realized when she commits a crime he cannot protect her from. Now they both face an uncertain future and the very real threat of losing everything, including their lives.

With time running out, Jesse works feverishly to convince the authorities to show leniency—and to convince Meryn that love can overcome any barrier that lies between them.

Click here to get your copy!

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About the Author

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 Cascade, Word, 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.

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Author Interview with Sara

Q: What inspired you to write this story?

Sara: When I was a kid, there was a big obsession with end-times books and movies. I still remember some of the graphic images of movies they showed in church, so I never thought I’d end up writing a series with an end-times feel to it. Then our pastor did a study on Revelation that changed my way of thinking. That planted the seeds for The Day Draws Near Series, which do not have the terrifying, doomsday feel of those movies. Instead, these stories offer the sure and certain hope that, yes, things might get more difficult for believers in an increasingly hostile society, but whatever we might go through as a result of our faith, God will be with us. He will strengthen and protect us and give us the courage to persevere until the end. Plus there’s romance, humour, banter, and chosen family!


Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Sara: I’m not sure I was surprised in the writing, but what has surprised me is what has happened since. This series originally released in 2015 and 2016. Since then, a lot of what I included in the books has taken place, including a global pandemic. I’m not claiming these stories are prophetic, only that what I included in the storylines was based not only on research but on serious consideration of where the current trajectory our society is on will logically take us.

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

Sara: One of my favourites is: We may feel as though we are being beaten and tossed around by the overpowering wind and waves right now. If we keep our eyes on that distant light, though, on the promise that we are not alone and that, whatever happens, the one who created the wind and the waves will bring us home to that safe harbor, the storm has no real power over us.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from this story?

Sara: My hope and prayer for this book, as with all my stories, is that readers take away hope and the empowering reminder that they are never alone, that God sees them and is with them and will never abandon or forsake them.

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

Sara: Hmm. Good question. I have a lot of author friends who use actors and actors to represent their lead characters for them as they write, including one who keeps a picture of each on her screen the whole time she is working on a book. I don’t usually do that, so normally this question would be hard for me to answer. However, I was watching a Hallmark movie a while ago and Ryan Paevey was in it. As soon as I saw him, I thought that’s Jesse! He looked exactly like I pictured Jesse in my head, so of course Ryan would have to play him in the movie. And I have always thought of my female lead, Meryn O’Reilly, as a young Connie Sellecca. Not sure who would play her now though, maybe Aisling Bea. They do look a bit alike and they’re both Irish, so that could work.

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

Sara: Let’s see. My biggest claim to fame is that I have now met two of the Osmond brothers (you’d have to be my age to appreciate the hugeness of that). Well, met might be a bit of a strong word. A few years ago I was walking along a sidewalk in downtown Toronto and someone bumped into my shoulder as he passed by. I recognized him immediately as Donny Osmond (who was in the city doing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). He kept on going, clearly not as impacted by our “meeting” as I was, but it was a thrilling moment for me. Earlier this year I was in Branson, Missouri, and my husband and I went to Jay Osmond’s show. We did meet him and his wife in person after, so that much is true, at least.

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Sara: One hundred percent, it’s fall. While I enjoy the slower pace of summer, I’m not a fan of the heat, and it can get very hot and humid in Southern Ontario. I like snow for Christmas but after that I’m about done with it, so winters can be very long. Spring is nice but rainy, so there is nothing like the cool, crisp air of autumn with the smell of woodsmoke and leaves in the air. I’m totally with my fellow Canadian Anne of Green Gables when she says, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

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

Sara: My website is the best place to read more about The End Begins and my other romantic suspense novels and to subscribe to my short, monthly newsletter with reflections on faith, life, and writing (www.saradavison.org). All my books are available for purchase at (https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sara-Davison/author/B00JI21YKG). I’d also love if it anyone wanted to follow me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/authorsaradavison/) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/davisonsara/).

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More from Sara

Most, if not all, great fiction begins with the question, “What if?” This is likely truer for The Day Draws Near Series (formerly The Seven Trilogy) than for any of my other stories.

The seeds for this series were planted as I worked my way through a study on Revelation at our church. Each of those seeds represented a what if question.

What if the Bible was outlawed and taken away from believers? What if restrictions such as a curfew or being forced to wear an identity bracelet were placed on Christians? What if the consequences for not following those restrictions became serious, even deadly? What if publicly declaring that you were a follower of Jesus Christ made it harder to buy or sell items? What if the churches were closed and believers forced to meet underground? What if teaching your children from the Bible meant you risked having them taken away from you? What if all this happened in Canada and the US in the very near future?

And the big question the entire series asks is: What if we are not ready?

Those seeds grew into the characters and storylines that make up the dystopian romantic suspense books The End Begins, The Darkness Deepens, and The Morning Star Rises.

The Day Draws Near Series is a revised and updated-with-new-content version of The Seven Trilogy, originally released in 2015 and 2016. While I don’t for a moment claim these books are prophetic, between their original release and now, many of the things that happen in the series, including a global pandemic, have since come to pass.

My hope and prayer for each book in this series is that readers will be left with a deeper awareness that time is short and that we are living in a society increasingly hostile to Christianity and in a world of darkness that hates the light. However that hostility and hatred plays out, life will become more difficult for Christians in the future, as the Bible clearly claims.

However, the tone of the book and what I pray readers will take with them is one of peace and hope. The most powerful message these stories convey is that there is no need to be afraid. God’s ultimate plan of redemption and reconciliation is playing out in front of our eyes. Nothing can thwart that plan. Nothing can happen that God does not allow.

Above all, every believer can know with absolute certainty that, whatever happens in the future, we will never face it alone. God will be with us, watching over us and giving us the strength and the courage to endure to the end.

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Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, September 19

For the Love of Literature, September 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 22

Through the Fire Blogs, September 23 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 23

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 24

Betti Mace, September 25

Artistic Nobody, September 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 27

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, September 28 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, September 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Beauty in the Binding, September 30 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 1

For Him and My Family, October 2

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a paperback 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: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5445

Book Spotlight: Epiphany: Seeking Light in the Darkness -- Our Divided Nation

About the Book:

Amid the chaos of spreading darkness, let the light of love guide you...

In this bittersweet and timely meditation, Ann Ridge, PhD, explores the enduring power of faith and spirituality during one of the most challenging chapters of American history. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, January 6 insurrection, and political divide, she offers Christian reflections and personal anecdotes that reveal the many faces of light and its capacity to heal and transform.

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Excerpt:

JANUARY 1, 2021

Exercising my spiritual muscle.

Well, it’s the perfect day to embark on this journey. It’s a rotten, sleeting, windy Chicago day. The first day of the year, and the streets are cold and icy and gray. The kind of day where it’s hard to feel good because the truth is, you feel kind of yucky. Free-floating yucky. Yup.

Just the day to seek the bright spot—at the very least a “Happy New Year,” or at the very best “Oh Happy Day” as the chorus bursts into song and our lives light up with the wonder of a God who will teach us to fight and pray. Oh happy day!

This is the perfect kind of day to exercise my spiritual muscle—and in my darker moments when I say, “Oh yeah, sure, you can transform this dreary, sad-sack day into a light filled experience of goodness and grace.” Even in my darkest hour I know, yes, I can.

This afternoon, as the sleet poured against my windows and the wind howled outside, I lit a candle and began my meditation. In truth, knowing I would begin this journey today, I began to consider the light around me early in the day. And yes, in fact, there was quite a bit to light up my dreary day. The two small but adorable Christmas trees spreading colorful lights throughout my living room, bringing warmth to every dark corner. The lighted lamp on the end table by my couch, shedding its comfort over my musings, readings, writings, and everyday moments. That was just a start. The light of love as my cat, Ashes, throws her adoring self on my lap and insists that I love her to death. Or at least provide fifteen minutes of solid affection.

As a seeker of the light, I have made a practice of seeing the light in my own musings. Over the years, I have kept journals in which I write to both my deceased mother and father as a way of keeping their spirits alive in my life. Those journals are precious because they allow me to see ways in which I need to seek healing, renewal, and growth. As I was writing to my father this morning, I “saw the light” as I realized just how his precious gift of humor and deep appreciation of life has influenced my own appreciation for so much of life: our planet and its cultures and peoples, Creation and its inhabitants, the arts and personal expression, family and friends, the love of God—the full measure. What an enormous gift I have been given. Both my parents shared a deep love and appreciation for life with me. They encouraged me to seek the light in so many ways.

Seeking the light and its many faces puts me on an ever changing, wondrous path. On this path, I am encouraged to see and smell the roses. Find the beauty. Seek the wonder. Live it. Share it. Make it happen.

9 pandemic, January 6 insurrection, and political divide, she offers Christian reflections and personal anecdotes that reveal the many faces of light and its capacity to heal and transform.

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More about the Book:

In newly released Epiphany: Seeking Light in the Darkness—Our Divided Nation, Ann Ridge, PhD, takes readers on a bittersweet journey through the tumultuous beginnings of 2021. Reflecting on the violent January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and the political upheaval during a seemingly endless COVID-19 pandemic, these meditations explore the enduring power of light in the darkest of times. Inspired by a simple Sunday school assignment, through personal anecdotes, spiritual insights, and the wisdom of children, the book reveals the many facets of light—and how it can help change the world.

From Dr. Ridge’s reflections on acceptance and belonging to the transformative power of community and prayer, each entry offers a beacon of hope and a call to seek grace in everyday life. As an antidote to the loneliness epidemic, social alienation and political divisions facing our country today, this six-week journey during the season of Epiphany is a testament to enduring faith, the power of empathy and community, and the strength of the human spirit. Epiphany reminds us that openness to the light can lead the way to personal and collective hope and healing.

Dr. Ridge is available for presentations/discussions and readings. Purchase Epiphany: Seeking Light in the Darkness—Our Divided Nation as e-book and print copies on Amazon and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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About the Author:

Ann Ridge, PhD, has enjoyed an enriched and fulfilling life of study, teaching, public service, and creativity. Her career in publishing began as publication manager for the Illinois Bureau of Tourism where her travel-related publications received awards and national recognition. Responsible for concept development, production and distribution of over 20 publications and millions of publications a year, she reminisces fondly of the publishing process, recalling going to print press checks as she oversaw the final product, a joy A lover of books, her first author/illustrated book entitled How We Came About, took 3rd place in her all-school 8thgrade science competition. She voluntarily illustrated school essays. A brief course in book design during graduate school launched a love for creating the printed word.

Dr. Ridge graduated from Barat College, 1971, with degrees in art education and art history, and from the American University, 1981, with an M.A. in arts administration. As an administrator, educator, and artist she found rewarding opportunities in government, not-for-profit, and academic sectors.

For over 30 years Ridge was public information officer, marketing director, and publications manager for Illinois state agencies including the departments of Commerce and Community Affairs-Bureau of Tourism, Financial Institutions, and the Illinois Arts Council. During those years she earned an M.A., 2002, in pastoral counseling from the Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) at Loyola University Chicago and a PhD, 2020, in theology and culture/human development and faith at the Chicago Theological Seminary. Since retiring from state service in 2015 Dr. Ridge taught human development and faith at IPS and the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy in Chicago.

Currently, Ridge lives on Chicago’s Northside, volunteers with Organizing for Plastic Alternatives on a variety of legislative initiatives, is active with the 47th Ward Green Council, and presents sustainable volunteer opportunities to local houses of worship and community groups. She recently participated in a year-long eco-preacher cohort with the BTS Center in Bangor, Maine and a second year-long training in eco-spiritual direction at the Center. Her days are filled with Sunday school youth projects, congregational efforts in sustainable living, supporting local unhoused communities, painting, writing, and training her rescue shepherd/husky.

Throughout it all, Ridge has followed her love of music playing guitar, singing and songwriting. She has performed in bands, jazz trios, choirs and even traveled throughout Eastern Europe singing with Chicago’s Community Renewal Chorus. Today, she continues to write songs and perform with her partner in the band, Ravenswood.

Guest Post: What's the Story, Morning Glory? by Julie Lessman

Welcome to the Blog Tour for What's the Story, Morning Glory? by Julie Lessman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: What's the Story, Morning Glory?
Author: Julie Lessman
Publisher: Julie Lessman LLC
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Memoir Devotional (half fiction/half nonfiction)

“DEAR LORD, JULIE ... OUR WHOLE LIFE IS IN THIS BOOK!" 

My heart went out to my sweet husband as he walked into our kitchen one day with a noticeable gulp, ashen-faced after reading my latest novel.“Yes, I know, babe,” I said with a repentant smile and a conciliatory hug, “but nobody really knows that.” 
Ahem. Until now ... 

Trust me, "What’s the Story, Morning Glory? A Memoir Devotional with a 'Novel' Approach to Practical Christianity" is not a book I wanted to write. As a novelist, I have never been partial to nonfiction, either reading it or writing it, but I had little choice when God convinced me otherwise through a number of point-blank arm-twistings I couldn’t deny and not-so-gentle proddings from family and friends. 

Despite all the encouragement, I wasn’t really sure where to begin. “It will be fiction and nonfiction combined,” the Holy Spirit whispered within, and just like that, the idea for this book took flight. First, I would tell my “real” and very personal story behind the life-lesson stories in my novels, then I would follow it up with the excerpt from my books where I teach that same life lesson to my characters, finally culminating in corresponding Scriptures, a bulleted “Takeaway” list, and a related prayer. 

Thus, What’s the Story, Morning Glory: A Memoir Devotional with a “Novel” Approach to Practical Christianity was born. A memoir devotional that when combined with scenes from my novels, becomes a “novotional” where I relate the life lessons God personally taught me through His Word. I am simply a child of God who applied these lessons and Biblical precepts to every situation in my life and consequently, saw nonstop answers to prayer and blessings galore. It is my profound hope and prayer that through my own very simple and personal stories and examples, I can do the same for others. Therefore, the format for each chapter of this book will be as

1. The Real Story (How I learned and applied the spiritual lesson in my own life)
2. The Novel Story (The scene where I teach the spiritual lesson to my characters)
3. The Scripture Story (Scriptures applicable to the spiritual lesson)
4. The Takeaway Story (Bulletized points for spiritual lesson in easy-to-read/apply format)
5. The Prayer Story (Specific prayer related to the spiritual lesson)

I pray this bottom-line, albeit somewhat quirky, 1-2-3 devotional blesses you as much as God's spiritual life lessons have blessed me! 

Hugs,
Julie Lessman  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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Also Available

     

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Excerpt

“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,

but who can stand before jealousy?”

Proverbs 27:4 NIV

Chapter Fourteen

My Career: Slaying the Dragons of Rejection,

Bitterness, Jealousy, and Idol Worship in Our Dreams and Desires

1.) The Real Story:

“Come in and make yourself comfortable.”

I blinked. Comfortable? With sweat on my palms and an eye twitching to the beat of my pulse?? Dear God, why had I switched deodorants???

She closed the door with an ominous click and extended her hand. “I’m Zsa Zsa Gabor (name changed to protect the innocent), Acquisitions Editor for Steeple Mountain. And you are …”

A basket case … on her first conference pitch ever. I swallowed hard. “Lessman, Julie Lessman.

She nodded and settled in on a worn paisley couch with all the grace and dignity of a queen on her throne. “Tell me about your manuscript,” she said.

I sucked in a deep breath, genuflected in my mind, and let it fly … “Well, you see, it’s a story about an Irish-Catholic family in pre-World War I—”

She extended her hand in the air, palm facing me, and for a moment I thought she was going to do the princess wave. The air fused in my throat when I realized she was halting my spiel. “I’m sorry, but we can’t have stories with specified denominations …”

And there you have it. My maiden pitch to an editor … a glorious seven seconds long! I went back to my hotel room and did what I’d been doing all conference long—cried my heart out and wanted to quit. God help me, the room maid had to think I was pilfering Kleenex!

Nobody ever told me what a bumpy ride it would be on the road to publication. No one ever mentioned that it’s truly an exercise in humility and perseverance that few have the stomach for. That it takes a unique individual to even try.

All you know at the time is that you have this story burning a hole in your heart and you want to get it out. You want to pour your passion—for God and for writing—onto paper and … well, yeah, get paid for it.

So you buckle up and grit your teeth, and keep your eyes riveted to the road as you embark on a journey that has more pit stops (as in “in the pits”) than the Indy 500. And, regrettably, the bumpy ride doesn’t end when you are finally published, at least not for me.

But with God’s voice on my GPS (“Turn right at the next 1-star review and pray till you get to Forgiveness Lane …”), you plot out a route for publication that hopefully won’t have you driving in circles.

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About the Author

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, Silver Lining Ranch, and The Cousins O’Connor series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2014, Best of 2015, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-20, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. Her independent novel A Light in the Window was an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. 

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets.

Connect with Julie by visiting julielessman.com to follow her on social media, read both romantic and spiritual excerpts from her books, or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Guest Post by Julie

What do you hope readers take away from this book?

The number one thing I hope readers take away from this book is how much POWER we Christians possess when we utilize the Word of God. For me, application of God’s precepts—His Word—in our lives is the only way for us to, as John 10:10 ESV so aptly states, “have life and have it abundantly,” achieving true peace, hope, and joy, just like God wants us to have. And just like He intended in the Garden of Eden!

Like I say in this rather unique (and quirky) life-stories devotional, I see God as the Supreme Milton Bradley—He made the game of life and created the rules by which it is to be played. Not to “Lord” it over us, mind you, but to bless us so we can win in life—in our relationships, in our marriages, in raising children, in our jobs, you name it.

Think if it—God actually spoke the world and universe into being with His words—they’re that powerful! Then, He not only gave us those words in the Bible for us to live by, but He sent salvation and blessing to us through those words in the Word made flesh—His Son Jesus—per John 1:14 ESV, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

“The tongue has the power of life and death,” according to Proverbs 18:21 NIV, which means words spoken by us—good or bad—have power as well. I personally believe that blessing (God’s Word) as spoken of in Deuteronomy 30:19 ESV, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,” and curse (Satan’s word, negative earthly language) are voice-activated. What does that mean? It means we can either say something like, “I can’t do this because I’m not smart enough” or “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength,” per Philippians 4:13.

Once Christians begin to believe—and see for themselves like I did in my many life-lesson stories—the power of declaring and decreeing God’s Word (eternal language) instead of earthly language (often Satan’s negative language), their lives will change on a dime—and ALL for the better.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a character named after you in Julie's next book & a signed paperback copy of that book, plus a signed paperback copy of What's the Story, Morning Glory!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 24, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 1, 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 for print copies. Gift card open to all locales. 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: Think This, Not That by Dr. Josh Axe

About the Book:

Instant New York Times Bestseller

Unlock your potential by cultivating self-awareness and curating a fulfilling life full of self-improvement, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset. Leadership expert and entrepreneur Dr. Josh Axe teaches 12 revolutionary mindshift transformations to beat the grind and reach the life you've always wanted. Redefine success and replace the limiting beliefs of yourself with the healthy mental toughness to think this, not that.

Perhaps you're busy but still feel empty. Maybe things haven't turned out how you'd hoped, and life seems stale and unfulfilling. What if you could wake up every morning excited about your purpose, knowing you're fulfilling your greatest potential?

A more meaningful life is within your reach, and it starts in one place: your mind.

Living with a mindset of false narratives will keep you stuck, locked in a prison of unpursued dreams and goals. But cultivating a new mindset based on what is actually true will set you free—free to start exploring and growing beyond the limits you thought you had.

In Think This, Not That, Dr. Josh Axe unpacks the top twelve mental barriers holding people back from realizing their potential and becoming the greatest version of themselves, and contrasts each one with a new empowering mindset, such as:

• Don't simply drift; clarify your purpose.
• Don't define success based on what you accomplish; base it on who you become.
• Don't be the victim; be the hero.
• Don't be a slave to your vices; overpower them by building virtues.
• Don't live by popular opinion; follow enduring principles of wisdom.
• Don't allow unintentionality; visualize a strategy.

Whether you want to improve your physical or financial health, raise the quality of your relationships, or take your career to new heights, these mindshifts will help transform your life.

It's time to break through your limiting beliefs and find out who you can become, to build a meaningful life through new thoughts and actions, and to make the switch from what's stalled you toward a life of ultimate significance.

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My Thoughts:

Thnk This, Not That by Dr. Josh Axe gave me a lot to think about. It’s not a book to read too quickly (because there are many ideas to consider) or too slowly (lest the momentum and train of thought be lost). Honestly, I probably need to read it again to cement some of the ideas deeper in my mind while I continue working on my vision board (an exercise from Chapter 11).

Think This, Not That held Christian undertones throughout, but it’s during Chapter 7 (Build an Unshakable Identity So No One Else Does It for You) that spirituality and God began to be discussed more openly. The content often felt like a combination of traditional Christian ideas with lots of motivational, self-help narrative. In my opinion, it’s best let the Holy Spirit illuminate what in this book works for the individual reader (and I think Dr. Josh would likely agree with that). For instance, Chapter 5 (Rewrite Your Role in the Story) was very motivational, but ultimately, a miss for me. Sometimes a person endures such severe trauma that even with counseling, prayer, and healing, they may always have scars (physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual) that prevent certain achievements and/or resilience.

Chapter 6 (Assemble a Team to Fulfill Your Dreams) felt unrelatable. I agree that we need community for encouragement, companionship, and inspiration, but Dr. Josh presented the ideas based on his own experience which included a “team” of celebrities and extremely wealthy people who gave him opportunities that just aren’t common for most people.

I will say that Dr. Josh seemed to be very authentic in his desire to help people and make the world a better place. And I have no doubt that Think This, Not That will help many readers, myself included. Chapter 1 (Create a Breakthrough by Unlimiting Your Beliefs) made quite an impression in my mind and has helped me have a more positive, open mindset. Chapter 9 (Bust Vices by Building Virtues) has stuck with me and reminded me to do things with excellence. Though I’ve finished off the book, I still flip back through it, rereading quotes I underlined and notes I made in the margins.

Think This, Not That by Dr. Josh Axe offers readers a resource of best practices and positive mindsets.  In my opinion, nearly everyone could glean inspiration from this book, but not all of this book will be applicable to everyone. 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.