REVIEW: REDEEMED by H.L. Burke!
Friday, July 31, 2020
COVER REVEAL: KEEPING CASSIE, Mount Sterling Book 3!
What are your thoughts? Anyone looking forward to Keeping Cassie's release?
JUSTREAD TOUR: RELATIVE SILENCE by Carrie Stuart Parks!
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. Along with her husband, Rick, she travels across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement as well as civilian participants. She has won numerous awards for career excellence.
REVIEW: A STRAND OF HOPE by Amanda Tero!
Monday, July 27, 2020
![A Strand of Hope: A Great Depression Young Adult Christian Fiction Novella (Librarians of Willow Hollow Book 1) by [Amanda Tero]](https://www.amazon.com/images/I/41cqe54JCfL.jpg)
But she survived. Through stories. Because books didn’t judge. Books weren’t angry she was alive. Books never expected her to be anything but who she was.
As she grows up, her beloved library becomes her true home. So when the library is designated part of President Roosevelt’s Packhorse Library Project, Lena is determined to get the job of bringing books to highlanders, believing she’ll finally be free of her mom forever.
But earning the trust of highlanders is harder than she imagined, and her passion for books might not be enough to free her from her chains.
The Packhorse Library Project was part of President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration to encourage education in the remote parts of the mountains. “A Strand of Hope” is a historical fiction novella based on real events but set in the fictional town of Willow Hollow in the Appalachian mountains.
I Love to Tell the Story by Faith Blum, Librarians of Willow Hollow Book 2
Hearts on Lonely Mountain by A.M. Heath, Librarians of Willow Hollow Book 3
The Secret Place of Thunder by Alicia G. Ruggieri, Librarians of Willow Hollow Book 4
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Her childhood as one of twelve kids in a preacher’s home gave her many lessons on Biblical forgiveness, endurance, friendship, and love. She weaves this knowledge into the lives of characters who take the daring, difficult, and daunting paths, leaving readers with a glimpse of how to apply Scriptural teachings in realistic ways. When she’s not surrounded by words, Amanda educates students in understanding a different alphabet on piano and violin.
COVER REVEAL: PROMISE'S PRAYER by Erika Mathews!!
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Hey everyone!! Today I'm super excited to share the brand new cover for the first book in a clean Christian kingdom adventure series, Promise's Prayer (Truth from Taerna Book 1) by Erika Mathews. It's getting a second edition this fall, complete with new formatting, polish, and a brand new cover!
BLURB
He promised to save the land. She received a divine calling. But how can mere prayer quench his restlessness and her fears?
Walking behind a plow day in and day out gets boring for a nineteen-year-old who longs for nothing more than adventure. In the midst of the rampant lawlessness and love of pleasure that drive their country, Kaelan Ellith longs to make a difference. When a promise at his mother’s deathbed gives him the impetus to do just that, he’s off to the capital city to bring back the knowledge of Adon Olam. But despite his natural leadership skills, his schemes keep going awry, and lost people keep passing into eternity without hope. How can he ever keep such an impossible promise?
Shy and devoted Carita Kostan spends her days seeking Adon Olam, raising her bookish orphaned sister, and helping others. Carita knows the voice of Adon Olam, and she desires nothing more than to follow His calling: “Love. Serve. Pray. Persevere.” Yet how can she minister His love to her neighbors when her soul is simultaneously tormented by their unmet needs and handicapped by her own paralyzing fears?
When the true nature of the promise and the call begins to surface, Kaelan and Carita just might discover how saving the world is entirely different than they imagined . . . if they have the humility and the courage to receive it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Erika Mathews is an author and editor who lives in the farm country of Minnesota with her husband and children. She’s a homeschool graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communications, a Master’s in Biblical Ministries, and a passion for sharing Jesus Christ and His truth. When she’s not working with books, she enjoys reading, outdoor activities, piano and violin, organizing, and using the Oxford comma. You can connect with Erika at restinglife.com.
ISN'T IT GORGEOUS?
Design credit goes to Megan Mccullough.
Thank you so much for attending this reveal party. Watch Erika's Instagram this month for celebrations and release news, or hop over to restinglife.com/signup for all the updates plus a free short story.
May the blessings of the Lord be upon you today!
GUEST POST by Angela R. Watts! Dystopian Fiction Vs. Present Day Reality
Friday, July 24, 2020
DYSTOPIAN FICTION VS. PRESENT DAY REALITY
Michaela asked me, “In what ways do you combine your fictional ideas with certain elements of what goes on in the real world, to create a dystopian society that is so tangible/believable that readers could see it actually happening down the line or today?” This question makes me so humbled, because years ago, I didn’t realize how prophetic The Infidel Books would be.
When I started the series, I knew I wanted it to be different. Dystopian has a rough reputation! People usually picture some cringe-fest YA love triangle and a big, wicked government full of monsters. I hate these tropes. I wanted to write something realistic, something that resembled our world so much people couldn’t just write it off.
In early 2019, I wrote The Divided Nation, The Infidel Books #1. In early 2020, I wrote The Grim Alliance, The Infidel Books #2, and had it sent to betas by the time the US began descending into chaos. The lockdown, the pandemic, the riots, the government changes, everything… Again, years ago, I based the world I wrote about after my own, but didn’t expect to see anything come to fruition so quickly.
The elements I wanted to incorporate in my fictional world included: the political upheaval that has occurred nonstop for years, sex trafficking, gang violence, full government control, lack of personal freedoms, abortion, and so forth. Basically, I wanted the worlds to look identical in their origin, but have The Infidel Books showcase what happens if we let our guard down. What would happen if the US government broke? What would happen if a Confederate government was created again? What would happen if riots and gang wars broke out across the US? What would happen if personal liberties were freely surrendered for safety and comfort?
I asked these questions before 2020. Seeing these scenarios play out in real life is sobering. I didn’t expect to see so much come to life. I didn’t expect to reread The Grim Alliance for the fifth time and want to cry because of how much God had helped me write before it had happened in the world I live in. The fictional elements included letting such horrid ideas come to life, setting the novel a few years in the future, and allowing the sky to be the limit.
Dystopian is a genre dedicated to alerting people of what happens when we turn away from reality because it hurts us too much to look at. Dystopian is a genre dedicated to showing humanity’s tenacity, courage, and will power. It also reveals the absolute vile ways of humanity, as well. I have to admit, some of the ideas and things I had/have plotted for The Infidel Books seemed “out there” a few years ago. As I continue to watch the state of the world and after 2020 (I’m only mildly joking when I say the latter), I realize just how close to home the ideas God gave me truly are.
If we cannot acknowledge the darkness around us, how can we conquer it? When I write these novels, I write them to encourage people, to reveal to them God’s truths--that He loves us and that the Kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:20-21). The world is broken. Fallen. Vile. But with God, even the most heavy world can be set free.
I write what God puts on my heart to write. For quite a while, I refused to start The Infidel Books because I didn’t feel adequate to write such a series, and how could I understand a dystopian world? Looking back now… I’m glad I pushed on. I’m glad I did God’s will. I received rejection, backlash, condemnation--but it is July 2020, and now, I truly understand why God had me write these books the way He did. The series might have seemed “unrelatable” 3+ years ago, but this series is truly meant for the world we live in today. It is humbling and I do not take writing these books lightly, but I know God has a reason for them.
I truly hope this post encourages you. Huge thanks to Michaela for letting me guest post!
God bless you each!
Angela
Thanks so much for stopping by, Angela! If you're interested in reading her new novel, The Grim Alliance, make sure to keep reading for some info about it - including a giveaway!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angela R. Watts is a YA fiction author who strives to glorify the Lord in all she does. She’s a homeschool graduate living at Step By Step Sanctuary, Tennessee, though with Gypsy and Norwegian in her blood, she tends to travel. She’s been writing stories since she was little, but also enjoys chores, painting, and watching sunsets.
FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | AMAZON | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS
WHEN THE NATION RIOTS, THE INFIDELS MUST BLEED.
The Second Civil War storms through the crippled US and winter brings nothing but disaster. West Johnston has earned his mafia father’s trust while searching for hidden answers: why are the UN leaders being assassinated, and why can’t the killers be found? If West can’t stop the Union from attacking D.C. in their last attempt to win the war, how can he stop his father?
Springtown remains one of the few townships left standing amid the tyrannical rule. Another group of gangsters prepare the town for winter. Rene’ Fisher is torn between fearing for her boyfriend Simon’s life and the upheaval taking place in Springtown. Can her father keep the town at peace? Will God have mercy on the allegiance the town must form with an unlikely candidate in order to survive, or will Rene’s home burn like the rest of the world?
Told in multiple bold, abrasive narratives, THE GRIM ALLIANCE steps into a war-ridden nation where bleeding for what you believe is the only option for those determined to win. But with faith, can even the bloodiest hands be made clean?
GIVEAWAY
Of course, what's a blog tour without a great giveaway? Check out the giveaway below and make sure to get your entries in ASAP!
*U.S. shipping only. If an international winner is drawn, they will receive an ebook only.
1st Place: Paperback copy of The Grim Alliance and a bookmark
2nd Place: ebook copy of The Grim Alliance
Click HERE to enter!
A QUICK REVIEW
I had the privilege of getting an ARC copy for review, so here's a quick little rundown of why The Grim Alliance is fantastic, in case you need a little push before buying!
This book is gripping, gritty, and in some cases, hits pretty close to reality. That's a mark of a masterful dystopian -- when you can read it and see the societal influences within, when it makes you THINK. The Grim Alliance picks up very smoothly after The Divided Nation and the character development for this one is superb. The scenes are very real, nicely written -- some scenes make me want to think they're straight out of a critically-acclaimed war movie. I can't wait to read it again...
Do you plan on picking up a copy? Did you enjoy The Divided Nation? And if you also snagged an ARC copy, are you looking forward to the next book in the series??
JUSTREAD TOUR: THE PEASANT'S DREAM by Melanie Dickerson
Monday, July 20, 2020

In this reverse Cinderella story, a poor farmer's son, who dreams of using his talent as a woodcarver to make a better life for himself, falls in love with a duke's daughter and must fight for a chance to win her heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
MY REVIEW
REVIEW: IVY INTROSPECTIVE by Kellyn Roth!
Saturday, July 18, 2020
In a world that doesn’t understand her, how can she grow?
Ivy Knight lives her life in a blur of confusion as the world passes her by in a tumultuous melody. She isn’t the perfect daughter or student, but as long as she can be with her family, she doesn’t mind watching rather than living.
Mrs. Chattoway treasures both of her granddaughters now that they’re reunited. When Ivy’s parents enroll her in a Scottish school for unique children, she’s happy to chaperone.
In a new place with a new guardian, Ivy discovers a special talent that helps her see the blurred world in a new way. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and Ivy becomes determined to find it—and help others do the same.
GOODREADS | AMAZON | SEE THE SERIES
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kellyn Roth is a Christian historical women’s fiction & romance author from North-Eastern Oregon who loves border collies. A ranch girl with a love for storytelling, she’s been writing since she was seven and published since she was fourteen.
Kell lives in the country outside a small town in North-Eastern Oregon with her family, cat, and three puppy-dogs. When not writing, she teaches writing and talks about writing, but she also enjoys other things. She just can’t think of any right now.
WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
MY REVIEW
July 18th
Beth Buckles - Book Spotlight - https://www.instagram.com/
Michaela Bush - Book Review - https://tangledupinwriting.com
Riley Vallier - Book Review - https://aval2359.wixsite.com/
July 19th
Rebecca - Book Review - https://www.instagram.com/
Maya Joelle - Author Interview - https://mayajt.wordpress.com/
July 20th
Tara - Book Review - www.instagram.com/
Eloria - Book Spotlight - https://
July 21st
Merie Shen - Interview with Jordy McAllen- https://imperialscribis.
Bethany Rose - Book Review - https://wildrosejournal.com/
July 22nd
Kaitlyn S. - Book Spotlight - https://www.maidensformodesty.
SJ Barnard - Book Review - https://sjbarnard.blog/
July 23rd
Megan - Book Spotlight - https://perfectpossibilities.
June - Book Spotlight - https://
July 24th
Ryana Lynn Miller - Book Review - www.lifeofheritage.com
Eva Joy - Author Interview - www.classicsandcraziness.
July 25th
Loretta Marchize - Book Review - https://lorettamz.com/
Alicia - Book Spotlight - https://www.instagram.com/
July 26th
Jane Mouttet - Book Review - https://janemouttet.wordpress.
Tarissa - Book Review - http://inthebookcase.blogspot.
July 27th
Hannah M. - Author Interview - https://tinytownstories.
Ruth - Book Spotlight - https://ruths-real-life.
July 28th
Jana - Book Spotlight - https://reviewsfromthestacks.
Abigail Harris - Book Spotlight - http://readreviewrejoice.com/
July 29th
Hanne - Book Review - losingthebusyness.wordpress.
Maddie - Book Spotlight - https://www.instagram.com/
July 30th
Holly - Book Review - https://holly-christine.
Kylie Hunt - Author Interview - https://www.instagram.com/
July 31st
Kim - Book Spotlight - https://instagram.com/all.the.
Abigail - Book Review - https://
COVER REVEAL: STOP THE RAIN by Kassie Angle!
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Hey everyone! Today I'm sharing a cover reveal for Kassie Angle's upcoming novel, Stop the Rain, which sounds like an absolutely fantastic novel. I just met her recently in the writing camp I'm participating in this month, and I already can't wait to read this book! Check out the blurb if you haven't already, and then make sure to stick around to check out the awesome cover.
He left his entire world in Iraq. So why did the war follow him home?
Harley Keane and his best friend Nigel were just kids when 9/11 rocked their world and changed their lives forever. When they’re finally old enough to join the Army, all their childhood dreams seem about to come true. But war wasn’t supposed to be like this. A kid’s dream isn’t supposed to become a living nightmare. Fellow soldiers aren’t supposed to bleed out in front of your eyes.
Back home, safe and unwounded, Harley feels anything but. Why would God spare him when so many others were taken? Why won’t the nightmares stop, even when he’s awake? And how long can he hide the truth that threatens everything he has left? When Harley’s invisible scars refuse to stay hidden, will he let anyone close enough to help? And how do you go on with life when “okay” isn’t okay at all?
A PTSD awareness novel - no one fights alone. Coming November 11, 2020.