A Very Pretty Cover Reveal!

Have you seen it around yet? A beautiful cover reveal? Or maybe you’re already part of the author’s newsletter and got an early peak – I bet you still won’t mind seeing it again though, because it’s beautiful! That’s right….author Hannah Currie has revealed the cover of her next book, “Heart of a Princess”, book Two in the Daughters of Peverell! And it is so, so lovely. I am tickled pink (hehe) to be able to take part in the reveal.

Let’s take a quick moment to look at the cover of the FIRST book, “Heart of a Royal” because it still deserves awe:

Yep, gorgeous.

Okay, are you ready for “Heart of a Princess”?!

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Ahhh it’s so pretty!!! Here’s more info:

 

 

Title: Heart of a Princess (Daughters of Peverell, Book Two)

www.hannahcurrie.com

Release Date: 15 July 2020

Pre-orders: not yet but will be closer to the date

Blurb:

 

To the watching world, Princess Alina has it all – maids to serve her, a kingdom to revere her, a prince to marry her, and a wardrobe filled with enough frills, flounces and shades of pink to rival a flower shop. But behind the smiles and designer clothes, Alina has a secret. She’s barely holding it together. 

 

After a moment of panic almost ends in tragedy, Alina is sent to a refuge far from the palace to recuperate. Her family claim it’s for her own good but – faced with cows, knife-beaked ducks and far too many of her own insecurities – Alina is pretty sure it will kill her first. And Joha Samson, infuriating man that he is, will laugh as it does. 

 

Only there’s more to Joha than she realizes, and more to herself too. When the time comes to make a stand, will she find the courage?

 

 

This gives me something to look forward to in summer! ;)

 

 

“Like Flames in the Night” by Connilyn Cossette ~ Book Review

“Like Flames in the Night” by Connilyn Cossette

Cities of Refuge #4//Biblical Fiction

Review copy from the publisher

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander’s kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.
Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached. Strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.
When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam’s thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he’s come to love?

 

My Thoughts:

 

And just like that, this lovely series comes to an end. “Like Flames in the Night” is the fourth and final book in the Cities of Refuge series. It was a very good ending, but I am sad to see it all wrapped up and completed. In the best of ways of course. :) These characters have all become so familiar and loved. <3

Tirzah is the central character in this beautiful novel. She is spirited, strong, and quick-witted. She convinces her brother to allow her to be a spy in their work to recover the Land, and she does a good job at it.

Liyam is also a strong character, bent on avenging his daughter’s dealth. For much time that is all he can think of, and understandably so. His journey of change was probably my favorite. He was really rough, and turned toward anger, but his character arc was really well done, and I loved seeing how it was all resolved at the end.

Sometimes, I will admit, that Tirzah’s character got on my nerves. She had moments of being overly strong-willed, and prideful. But I liked how she softened a little at the end.

I really loved the epilogue – how that all wrapped up, and tied everything together. It was so sweet. And can’t leave this off without mentioning how much I adore the cover of this book – it’s stunning. :)

 

 

*I received a copy of this book from the publishers as apart of the Launch Team. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

 

Welcome to Isaiah’s Legacy Blog Hop – Stop #13

 

1 Week ~ 24 Blogs ~ 3 Incredible Prizes!

Welcome to the Blog Tour and Scavenger Hunt for Isaiah’s Legacy by Mesu Andrews! It’s going to be lots of fun – just read through the post and have a good time!

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Learn a little about Isaiah’s Legacy and enter multiple giveaways while picking up CLUES at each stop. Compile all the clues, submit the final PHRASE at the last stop, and you’ll be entered to win one of 3 Grand Prizes! 

 

What are the prizes? They’re completely unique to the winners! 

 

Mesu will contact each winner personally to chat about what they would most like to see in Israel, and then she’ll SHOP for just the right gift while touring Israel, March 6-19! She’ll then purchase a personal and memorable gift specifically chosen for each of those three winners and ship them to each one when she returns. How fun is that?!

 

How does the Scavenger Hunt & Blog Tour Work?

• Begin at Stop #1. At the end, you’ll find a CLUE and a link to the next stop. Progress to each stop IN ORDER.
• Collect all the clues—in order—and submit the full phrase at the last blog stop in the Rafflecopter form. Every stop has a clue, so be sure not to skip any along the way!
• You may enter the final giveaway only once and win only one grand prize. 
• The Hunt begins 2/19/20 at noon EDT. Deadline for entries is Tuesday, 02/25 at midnight Eastern.
• For best results, hunt through our list using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).

 

There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have a whole week! As you visit each blog, it’s our hope that you get to know Mesu’s BFF team and discover the heart behind Isaiah’s Legacy.

 

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Welcome to Stop #13

 

My name is Raechel. I’m excited to celebrate “Isaiah’s Legacy” by Mesu Andrews with you! I love her books and the deep messages they offer.

You can sign up for Mesu’s newsletter and get Adnah’s Legacy, the prequel novella to Isaiah’s Legacy: https://mesuandrews.com/

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to write down your CLUE before clicking to the next stop.

 

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Here’s the Stop #13 Stuff!

 

Clue to write down: A Teacher

Link to STOP #14: A Baker’s Perspective

 

Bookmark STOP #1 so you can check the tour schedule and get back on track if at any point you get lost or find a broken link. 

 

Enjoy the hunt!

 

 

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The Books I Enjoyed in 2019

Hello readers!

I feel a little strange sitting down to put together a blog post that is not a review post – I have definitely drifted away from blogging consistantly this past year, and I apologize. Life is like that though; it changes and flows and you kind of just have to go along with it.

The end of 2019 didn’t go exactly as I had planned. I always look forward to putting together a nice, organized list of favorite books, taking pictures of them, with the hope of sharing on my blog here as well as my instagram (@vikinglady10). But I’ve had some more health struggles, and my pain has kept me from doing much of anything. Except reading. I have been reading still. ;) Thankful for that.

So while I don’t have a nive and pretty organized Top Ten Reads or pictures or anything like that, I did make a list of the books I definitely enjoyed in 2019. It’s long, and I’m okay with that. I mean, can one ever get tired of good reads? I don’t think so.

I’ll probably copy and paste the cover pictures in, since that’s easier than taking a photo myself.

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According to Goodreads, I read 23,809 pages across 80 books. My goal was 75, so I was very excited to top that goal. Someday I’d like to reach 100, but I’m making my 2020 goal 80. We’ll rise slowly. ^.^

 

 

 

I also vastly enjoyed:

The Songbird and the Spy by J’nell Ciesielski

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations

Dance With Me by A.M. Heath

Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson

Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher

Cameo Courtships by a collection of authors including Debra Marvin

A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson

Underestimating Miss Cecilia by Carolyn Miller

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken

The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock

Bella At Midnight by Diane Stanley

The Heir of Ariad by Niki Florica

The Perfect Christmas by Bell Renshaw

Like a Winter Snow by Lindsay Harrell

 

and SO many others that would take too long to name. Bravo to you if you’ve actually read this whole list. I realize I am more so putting this together for my own personal reflection XD

I’d love to hear what books you enjoyed in 2019! I’m looking forward to many more books to come in 2020.

(you can find my reviews for these titles on goodreads – my username there is also vikinglady10)

“Finding Lady Enderly” by Joanna Davidson Politano – Book Review (I loved it!!)

“Finding Lady Enderly” by Joanna Davidson Politano

Review copy through the publisher/author as apart of the launch team

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I loved this book, so so much. It meant so much to me, the message and everything, because it is something I am learning too – my identity in Christ. During the reading of it, I even wrote a poem that, if Rania were real, I’d love to share with her. I will include it at the end of this post, but first read on for the description of this beautiful book and my “official” review! :)

 

 

About the Book:

Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within–and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.

 

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

Oh my word, this book. Wow. It floored me in its gentle beauty and remarkable message. It is no coincident that I read it when I did, and took my time to savor it, for the message lined up with what God has been showing me lately, and that just blessed me so much.

I fell so utterly in love with this story, that it will long remain on my favorites shelf. How it is written is so beautifully smooth and captivating, and the plot was fantastic as well, with characters that will just sweep you off your feet.

Truly, I don’t know how I could write a review that would do this book justice. I loved it so much. Dear sweet Rania went through such a journey. And that ending! Not quite what I was expecting, but so much better and full of redemption. Gorgeous prose, amazing characters, and truth about identity that is sure to bless any reader who stumbles into its pages.

The absolute heart that is woven through the story is touching, and that it all shines back to our Creator, is astounding. I’m so in love with this book and its characters. The author did a beautiful job, and I am in awe of her ability to turn it all back to God. <3

I marked SO many places in this book that it would be nearly impossible to share them all. I so badly wanted to make a graphic for each one, but our computer has been so slow that I’m not sure I can even get one made. But the quotes were fantastic and I will savor them for a long time. Hopefully I can get them typed up soon and perhaps I will devote a special post to them in the near future. :)

My Worth // by Raechel Lenore

I’m building my courage

One strand at a time

I’m lifting my head

by the inch

Healing can come

not all in a wave

but in soft whispers of strength

A Change slowly happening

A change still occuring

My eyes ever upward I raise

Coming to learn

and coming to know

that I reside in a place of grace

Beauty and truth,

they shine from within

they rely not upon another soul

I need not look to another’s face

to know my worth is whole

A crown slowly forming

upon my head

I let it there reside

Not knowing its strength

yet feeling its weight

I’m learning to accept it as mine

My worth to you I do not owe

My worth secure within me

I used to look towards anothers face

to change what grew so simply

Freedom’s glance

feels just wihin reach

and I’m starting to stand taller now

Knowing I am enough on my own

this truth is a new beginning, allowed.

I’ll raise my head another inch

I’ll lift up sparkling eyes

I’ll look into my reflection close and say ‘You are dignified.

My Father has put His crown on you

to His children He has given all

The garments are complete on you

Dignified and without pall

Raise up, you daughter of courage

raise up and continue to mend

Your worth is not held by anothers hands

Your worth is found in Heavens stead

You are worth

all on your own

You are worth and enough

You are a beauty

a pearl all desired

treasured by heavens touch.’

My worth is not measured by others opinions

my worth does not fluctate by anothers whims

My worth cannot be tossed by the wind

when I’ve found it secured within.

I do ask that you respect that this poem I shared belongs to me and is copyrighted as such. I would be pleased as punch if you wanted to share it linking back to me, just please don’t steal. :) Thank you!!

“Cross My Heart” by Robin Lee Hatcher ~ JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Cross My Heart
Series: Legacy of Faith #2
Author: Robin Lee Hatcher
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Split Timeline

Can two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption?

When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.

They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?

Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of 80 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love.

Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, the Carol Award, the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®.

When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

CONNECT WITH ROBIN: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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MY REVIEW

Only my second novel by author Robin Lee Hatcher,  I am quickly becoming a big fan of her writing!

“Cross My Heart” is a beautiful book with a fantastic story of faith and trust in the Lord. The plotlines themselves are amazing, but my favorite part is the heart of the novel – the overwhelming, encouraging, and satisfying message of God, soaked into each page. It was truly beautiful, and I can’t express how much I appreciate that in a novel! This wasn’t just a Christian book in theory or title – it was fulfilling, and I loved that.

I also love how the duel-timeline was presented, with the present day story being the focus, but at the end of each chapter we receive a glimpse of Andrew Henning’s story in 1940’s. So enticing, and so good.

I will admit that I am not a huge horse person (I know. Gasp.). I love my sister’s horse and adore my own mule, but horses have never been a huge passion of mine. However, that theme in this book was delightful and I really liked seeing what it meant to both Ashley and Ben. And how they related over their shared interest and love of horses, and helping people. That was great.

I was just really impressed with the whole book, and greatly look forward to the next book in the Legacy of Faith series!!

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive Book 1 & 2 of Robin Lee Hatcher’s LEGACY OF FAITH series (US only) – Who I Am With You & Cross My Heart

Copy the following phrase to claim your bonus entries for this stop:

“My times are in Thy Hands” Psalm 31:15 KJV

Each host on the tour (excluding the launch pages) has a “timeless” verse or phrase for you to enter on the Rafflecopter form for bonus entries!

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 21, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on June 28, 2019. 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.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

 

“Living Lies” by Natalie Walters ~ Book Review

“Living Lies” by Natalie Walters

Harbored Secrets #1

Review copy from publishers/author

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name–but no one knows your secret. At least that’s what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton’s newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she’ll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.

 

My Thoughts:

 

I love getting the opportunity to read an author’s debut novel. It feels so special, to be trusted with their first book baby. :)

“Living Lies” is a romantic suspense title, and I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense plot – it was really well-written, and I enjoyed seeing how the whole thing played out and worked together in the end.  That thread was my favorite for sure.

The characters themselves were great, and nicely written. I appreciate how  Lane dealt with depression and anxiety, and that message of the book was definitely handled very well and with care.

The romance didn’t really ‘click’ for me, personally. Not that the two characters weren’t good for each other – they were, and I certainly didn’t dislike them as a couple. I don’t really know why I wasn’t getting engaged in the romance thread. Sometimes it felt a little like insta-love but it wasn’t exactly like that because the main character had some things she felt she needed to overcome.

Charlie was a fantastic guy. I loved how patient he was. And little Noah was a cutie. Also, I had a soft spot for Miguel. His character was really well-written.

The story flowed so nicely, and was an enjoyable read to be sure.

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*I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher; all opinions in my review are my own. 

 

“On a Summer Tide” by Suzanne Woods Fisher ~ Book Review

On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book One in the Three Sisters Island series

Review copy from the publishers

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

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About the book:

Sometimes love hurts–and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. “Moving on” is Cam’s mantra. But there’s a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.

Cam’s full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island–a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam’s surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals–and one in particular. Sam Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.

With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones.

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My Thougts:

 

This was my first book by this author, and if I’m not mistaken, I believe it is the author’s first contemporary novel as well!

“On a Summer Tide” was very well written, and the characters were very real and flaw-fully believable. The whole story idea was really quite charming, and I loved how it all played out on one small Island in Maine.

Camden Greyson, eldest daughter of Paul Greyson, is the primary character in this story, but it really was well-spread out between all three of the Greyson sisters, Cam, Maddie, and Blaine. Each sister had their own truths and struggles, and way with coping with life, as all people do.

Favorite sister of mine? Probably Blaine. I certainly hope she gets her own story in this series!

Camden is the one with a vision – when their father buys this old camp (and half of the Island!), once over her shock, Cam helps to organize it all and give it a clear vision and goal. She could sometimes be a bit of a bulldozer – she was a strong-willed character, but she softened towards the end. Her adopted son, Cooper was a cutie. And the schoolteacher, Seth, was quite a nice hero!

To be honest, Camden could get on my nerves, but her brokenness was real and her character made sense. As I’ve mentioned, each character was so three dimensional, I was impressed!

There was a faith strand present and it was softly woven into the novel to be presented in a very natural way.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and definitely want to continue on with the series! (Also should add: I loved Peg! Her character was fantastic!)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.  

 

‘Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree’ & ‘When God Made Color’ ~ Two Children’s books/ Celebrate Lit Tour

 

About the Books

WhiteSpark Publishing is thrilled to bring readers young and old two delightful stories all about color!

Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree

Isaac loves the sugar maple in his yard, and he can’t help but feel bad for it when its branches are winter-bare. He decides to give it a gift…and is surprised when the tree returns the favor in the new morning snow, presenting him with balls of…ice cream!

But how long can this magic last with spring on the horizon? A magical exploration through the colors of the rainbow, the days of the week, and some of our favorite fruits that is sure to delight.

When God Made Color

The wonders of creation spread out before us in all the glories of the rainbow…the deep purples and blues of night, the bright yellows of day, the pinks and oranges of flowers. And of course, the colors of all the creatures…including us! These sumptuous fine art illustrations will thrill parent and child alike!

Click here to purchase Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree.

Click here to purchase When God Made Color

About the Authors

Angela Henderson resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. After creating her blog and Facebook page, Kidsbook Friends, and her Instagram, Instabooks, she’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives.

Sheri Carmon seeks to incorporate the beauty of the Lord’s heart, His ways and His love in her writing for children. As an author, her goal is to shine His light through stories. In the past she has published poetry and inspirational compositions with both Blue Mountain Arts and The Group Publishing. Sheri has always cared for the individual needs of families and spent fifteen marvelous, fast-paced years in real estate, specializing in family friendly homes. She and her husband have helped facilitate whole church Bible-reading programs in Colorado, Nebraska and South Dakota. They make their home in Colorado, on the front range of the Rocky Mountains, where they’re surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation every day.

More from Angela

Why children’s books? After all, I teach young teens. Well, my reasons:

1. I love art, and reading children’s books is like looking at an artist’s showcase of creativity!
   * Shout out to my amazing illustrator, Rachael Koppendrayer!
2. I love to dream up the impossible, and you can make anything happen in a children’s book!
3. I love togetherness and nothing brings a family together like a good book.

As I read picture books with my kiddos, the teacher in me wanted to instruct too. I created a blog (http://www.kidsbookfriends.com) so teachers, librarians and parents could have little lessons to help them “make friends” with the characters in the stories I featured. Surrounded by such inspiration from these books and my kiddos, I started writing my own manuscripts when my kids were all under age five, mainly sketches of thoughts until I had segments of time where I could construct stories.

After several years of attending SCBWI conferences; connecting with writers; creating manuscripts & editing and revising, editing and revising (you see a pattern?!); and submitting them to publishers, Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree was accepted for publication and was released January 15, 2019, by Whitefire Publishing! (It’s a process!!!)

The message embedded in this colorful, magical story expresses a very real part of my heart as it’s our family motto: “Always remember to look for the rainbow.” My kids and I both literally and figuratively practice this principle, rushing out after every rain to see if the sky is painted with a bow as well as trying to find the good that comes through the storms of life.

Through my journey, I’ve experienced much loss through moving many times, caring for my mother during her dying days, and losing my husband through divorce. Yet in it all, God redeems and uses each pain and joy like brush strokes on a canvass, reminding us of His unfailing promises while creating a masterpiece.

Creativity, imagination, inspiration . . . make magical moments.

Gather together. Dream the impossible. Embrace the colors. . . as I introduce you to a new friend, Isaac! Excited to share this story with you. . . and my next one . . . and the one after that. . . until we have many new kindred spirits . . .together.

Click here for a fee printable coloring page.

Click here to learn the story behind the story.

More from Sheri

A child asks, “Who am I?”
Creation Vs. Evolution – The big battle. Many public schools are presenting Evolution as fact and not theory. They leave no room for the concept of Creation. Our little ones are not creatures descended from animals, they are Children of God, created in His image. This is our identity and our children’s Identity and it makes all the difference in how we see ourselves, how we see others and how we engage in the world. Our identity is made clear in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27 NIV. As Christian parents and grandparents, we are charged with teaching, encouraging and bringing forth our family line for the LORD. The new picture book When God Made Color, with its awe inspiring illustrations, is about our true identity and about the joyful, loving God who created us and the whole universe – a universe that is still expanding – Isn’t He just amazing?

Click here to view a special video

 Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, May 2

By The Book, May 2

Among the Reads, May 3

cultivating us, May 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 4

Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5

Mary Hake, May 5

For Him and My Family, May 6

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, May 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 7

Blogging With Carol, May 7

Lighthouse Academy, May 8

God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae, May 8

Pause for Tales, May 9

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 9

Inspiration Clothesline, May 10

Reading Themes, May 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 11

Texas Book-aholic, May 11

Have A Wonderful Day, May 12

janicesbookreviews, May 12

A Reader’s Brain, May 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 13

Older & Smarter?, May 14

Creating Romance, May 14

Inklings and notions, May 14

Aryn, the Libraryan, May 15

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 15

The Becca Files, May 15

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Angela and Sheri is giving away a grand prize of The Great Color Giveaway Package that includes a $25 gift card from Amazon, Rainbow ice-cream cups with colored spoons, a paperback copy of Issacs’s Ice Cream Tree, a $25 gift card from Barnes and Noble,
Crayola Washable Kids’ Paint – 12 count original and glitter paint (see attached image), and a paperback copy of When God Made Color!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e2a9/the-great-color-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

It was originally planned that I would be reviewing these titles, but the files would not properly download or open, so I’m afraid I do not have a review to share, but they certainly look adorable!

 

“Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations” by V.Joy Palmer ~ Book Review

“Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations” by V. Joy Palmer

Review copy from the author as apart of the launch team

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

 

Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to the mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she’ll be fine.
But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what’s left of their family’s legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon she’s forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother’s renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for help, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.
Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl’s insane plan. While Apryl claims they’re archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart. 
But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

This was a truly fun and enjoyable book. I really liked Apryl, and Chance was amazing.

I also liked how we got to see Courtney’s story play out as well – this wasn’t just a one-character’s-story book. Yes, Apryl was the primary ‘star’ but we got to know Courtney as well, and that aspect was really nice! Having Chance’s POV in there was a great piece of the book too!

Twins, Apryl and Courtney take over their grandmother’s antique business while she recovers in the hospital. To keep the business from failing, they revamp it into a wedding decorating venue, and I loved this clever aspect of the story. It was unique, and fun, and I loved seeing each wedding that they decorated come together and how each one painted a vivid picture for me to see in my mind’s eye.

Returning to the topic of Apryl and Chance though…  I loved these two so much! They could be oh-so frustrating (though I can see why XD) but they were so fantastic, and quickly became beloved characters to me! And I loved the faith message in this book. I could relate to Apryl’s feeling like a failure and not worth it, etc. but the truth she received at the end was beautiful. And same goes for Chance’s journey! I loved how each grew separately AND together.

I was curious to see if this book would have some sections that felt a little too over-the-top witty like I found the first book to sometimes contain, but the included sarcasm matched Apryl’s character perfectly, and I loved it! (Which is not to say that I didn’t like the first book – I very much did! You can find my review on goodreads.)

Apryl really had a vivid character and I so enjoyed getting to know her, and Chance too. (I may have developed a little crush on him myself. And also, this book made me really want potato chips….).

All in all, a delightful story! Looking forward to more from this author!

Quotes:

 

“Yeah, he’d always liked Batman.”

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“I’m not perfect either, much to my dismay. I’ve tried to be. I’ve tried to have the perfect grades, the perfect job, the perfect life. I can’t do it. Our love will not be perfect. It will be filled with mistakes. But perfection isn’t love, it’s a cage. And with everything that’s happened with Gram and the shop, my identity can’t hang on my career, my accomplishments, and that elusive perfection. It’s defined by God and the way I love.”

 

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.