About the Book

Would you trade fame for privacy?

Movie star Maggie Malone has a glamorous lifestyle with everything money can buy—except privacy. Hounded by the paparazzi and ridiculed for her faith, Maggie secretly struggles with severe anxiety and loneliness. All she desires is to be herself—southern girl by birth, ranch lover by heart.

When an anonymous benefactor invites Maggie to participate in a secret project, will her hopelessness find a new direction? Or will she become another celebrity travesty? What if she discovers Hollywood is not Home? Her faith, family, love, and future hang in the balance.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

About the Author

Annmarie M. Roberts is an author, copywriter, and scriptwriter. She is a wife and mother of two. Her soul grew to love writing at a young age. In grade school, she could hardly wait to receive her first writing assignment, “What I did over summer break.” She just loved to impress her teacher with a detailed descriptive read of a summer filled with wonder and fascinating adventures, some of which were true. Writing has been her passion in one form or another ever since. “There is nothing like the power of expression through words to create a moment in time or an imaginative place to magically transport your reader,” Annmarie mused when asked about why she loves to write. When she is not working on commercial script writing, she spends time with her family and volunteers with her church in the community.

More from Annmarie

Fall in love with a faithfully blessed story and characters that grew from my heart and surely bound to find a place in yours!

This has been a long-time coming friend. It all started about fifteen years ago from a very old desktop computer and a rickety put-together desk that you buy in a box. In the beginning, it had highlights of Hollywood but no traces of the southern influence yet. We hadn’t moved to the south when I started my novel, so the blessings that were about to bestow upon me were still in store. Maybe it came from the handwritten letter from my new pastor in my mailbox the first day I arrived, or the first time I heard a shopping cart called “a buggy”, either way, I knew I was home when I landed in South Carolina. So much of my story is influenced by good Christian women I met in church, delicious southern food that will knock your socks off, and the abundance of faith that runs here like the rivers.

If you are reading this, know I appreciate you. If you read my book, I know you will feel the love, friendship, family, laughs, and tears that I belted out as I wrote it.

Find a special place like I have on the covered deck near my kitchen whereas I write now I hear the inviting sound of wind chimes tickling in the soft Southern hot-humid breeze accompanied by a greyed over cloud pending the usual afternoon downpour. Southern afternoon rains are fast and furious, but they kiss the grass and the trees and delight our eyes with forever green tapestry.

Sit in this place soon with a cool glass of fresh-made lemonade and some homemade lemon butter cookies, just like Maggie Malone would.

Alternate cookie and lemonade in one hand and my new novel, Hollywood is Not Home, in the other.

Fall in love with my characters and get to know me as a writer through them.  Share your thoughts with me about my book but never share those homemade lemon butter cookies…those are for you. You deserve them! Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 7

Susan K. Beatty, Author, January 8 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 8

Texas Book-aholic, January 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 10

deb’s Book Review, January 11

Inklings and notions, January 12

An Author’s Take, January 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 13

Vicky Sluiter, January 14 (Author Interview)

By the Book, January 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 16 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 19

Artistic Nobody, January 20 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Annmarie is giving away the grand prize package of a themed gift basket with various items that have inspirational sayings on them like a mug, bookmark, an autographed copy of the book, and a copy of The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall!!

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/17193/hollywood-is-not-my-home-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

A Journey Full of Hope…
Escape into a riveting story based on the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke.

Author Shannon McNear portrays history with vivid authenticity.

In 1587, Elinor White Dare sailed from England heavy with her first child but full of hopes. Her father, a renowned artist and experienced traveler, has convinced her and her bricklayer husband Ananias to make the journey to the New World. Land, they are promised, more goodly and beautiful than they can ever imagine. But nothing goes as planned from landing at the wrong location, to facing starvation, to the endless wait for help to arrive. And, beyond her comprehension, Elinor finds herself utterly alone. . . .
The colony at Roanoke disappeared into the shadows of history. But, what if one survived to leave a lasting legacy?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

About the Author

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.

More from Shannon

Why did I write this story? Well, God shoved the opportunity under my nose, and I didn’t want to be guilty of taking the easy way out, by saying no. 😊

Really, while the concept was fascinating, the execution was daunting, and sometimes terrifying. The Elizabethan Era—before the King James Bible and even before Shakespeare was popular! As a student of the Revolutionary War and surrounding times, I felt very much out of my depth.

Though the research sucked me in, it was also daunting. Sifting through various interpretations of the primary accounts and their own speculations on why they felt things must have gone a certain way. Trying to “find” my story amongst all the theories and opinions. Above all, getting to know my characters and letting them come alive in my own imagination.

And come alive, they did—in full color, with a vividness I did not expect. I hope I was able to translate even a portion of what I envisioned to the page, so that you also can see them!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 4

The Christian Fiction Girl, January 4

Joanna Bair, January 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 5

Rebecca Tews, January 5

For the Love of Literature, January 6

Remembrancy, January 6

Texas Book-aholic, January 7

Betti Mace, January 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 8

Inklings and notions, January 8

For Him and My Family, January 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9

deb’s Book Review, January 10

Labor Not in Vain, January 10

Blogging With Carol, January 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 11

Connect in Fiction, January 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 12

To Everything There Is A Season, January 12

Mary Hake, January 12

Bizwings Blog, January 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 13

Connie’s History Classroom, January 14

Splashes of Joy, January 14

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 15 (Spotlight)

Sodbuster Living, January 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 16

Through the Fire Blogs, January 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Pause for Tales, January 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/15d5e/elinor-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Her calling to change the world may be his downfall.

On the heels of the Great Rebellion, Margaret Foster, an abolitionist northerner, takes a teaching position in 1865 San Diego—a town dominated by Southern sympathizers. At thirty-seven years of age, Margaret has accepted spinsterhood and embraced her role as teacher. So, when Everett Thompson, the handsomest member of the School Board, reveals his interest in her, it’s a dream come true. Until her passionate ideals drive a wedge between them.

After two decades of hard work, Everett Thompson is on the verge of having everything he’s dreamed of. Even the beautiful new teacher has agreed to his courtship. Then two investments go south and a blackmailer threatens everything Everett has and dreams of.

As Everett scrambles to shore up the crumbling pieces of his life, Margaret unwittingly sets off a scandal that divides the small community and threatens her position as teacher. With the blackmailer still whispering threats, Everett must decide if he’s willing to risk everything for the woman still keeping him at arm’s length.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

I absolutely love historical romances and I have enjoyed this series so much. This is the third book in the series and it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel but why would you want to? I mean this whole series has been so enjoyable to read that you don't want to miss out! In this story we meet Margaret who is a school teacher looking for a position and we meet Everett who is willing to give her a position in the upcoming city of San Diego. I loved Margaret. She is a strong female character that doesn't back down. She is definitely very passionate not only about her teaching but most of all she is very passionate about her ideals and her beliefs and I really enjoyed that about this character. 

Typically the female character tend to get on my nerves but this time it was the reverse. Everett was the one that I wanted to just pop him upside the head at times. It felt like sometimes he lacked a backbone especially with the people of the town. He also just focused so much on what people thought of him and his status that it made for a great downfall for him. 

Because I have read the previous books I was so happy to see the previous characters in this book and how everything just tied together. I was especially glad to see the story between Katie and Fletcher. I absolutely love their story and how Fletcher came to know the Lord. and how Katie just basically "rose up from the ashes" so to speak and made something more out of herself. 

I really enjoyed this book and I refuse to believe this is the last one! I think there is more we can read about. More of Katie and Fletcher?  a Chistmas novella perhaps?! Just throwing ideas out there since I don't want to let these characters go. (Hint hint)

I definitely recommend this if you love historical fiction. If you have never read any of Kathleen Denly's book I suggest you add her to your to-be-read authors list. Her writing is amazing and captivating to read and her characters are not only believable but enjoyable to read. 

My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

More from Kathleen

Who Invented Romance?

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but romance novels are sometimes viewed as the black sheep of the fiction industry. For various reasons, some people view romance stories with a disdainful eye. Knowing this, I still choose to write romance stories and some may wonder why.

First and foremost, I’ve had a passion for romance for as long as I can remember. I was absolutely one of those typical little girls who played dress-up in her mother’s clothes (or in my case, her lingerie. Eek! I had no idea. LOL) and planned my future wedding day. For reasons I can’t explain, the idea of a man and woman falling in love and pledging their life to one another has always enthralled me.

Or perhaps I can explain.

You see, I was raised in a Christian family and have always been exposed to the Bible. Have you ever looked at your Bible from a romantic perspective? When you stop to consider it, there is more than enough romance in God’s Word to justify placing it on the Romance Novel shelf in a bookstore. At least there would be if novels weren’t inherently fiction and the Bible wasn’t entirely true. (And aren’t we grateful that the Bible is completely true?)

So, in a way, one could say that God is the first romance author. After all, what is more romantic than a groom sacrificing his life for his bride? It even has the requisite happy ending, because He rose from the dead and will return for His bride.

The thing is, God isn’t just a romance author, He’s the inventor of romance. He was the first to demonstrate what love truly is. He is the one who defines it and describes its fruits so that we can recognize it when we see it. It’s His love that gives us life.

And the thing about romantic love is that it has a unique power to change people, to break down their emotional walls in ways that might not happen otherwise. There is a reason God designed man and woman to be together. Many reasons, in fact. But I am convinced that one of them is His ability to use that beautiful relationship to draw His children closer to His own heart.

So yes, some may look down on romance novels and those who read or write them, but I stand tall and proud, because I know that true romance–the kind God authors–is something to cherish and honor. I am blessed to be able to share God’s truths through the wondrous stories of two hearts joining together as one.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 6

Bizwings Blog, January 7

Austen’s Angle: Jane Austen’s Influence in Modern America, January 7

Texas Book-aholic, January 8

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 9

The Christian Fiction Girl, January 9

Inklings and notions, January 10

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 11

deb’s Book Review, January 12

For Him and My Family, January 13

Mary Hake, January 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 14

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 16

Blossoms and Blessings, January 16

Connie’s History Classroom, January 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 19

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, January 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle Fire HD8 Plus, a custom Harmony on the Horizon Kindle case, a Harmony on the Horizon altered notebook, a Chaparral Hearts pen, a pair of earrings, a pin, and a scripture keychain!!

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/17190/harmony-on-the-horizon-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

New York Times bestselling author Susan Scott guides couples through eight must-have conversations to create a fierce love that stands the test of time and grows stronger over the years.

Often in our romantic relationships, we long for deep connection, but we don’t know how to communicate well and sometimes withhold what we’re really thinking and feeling. This can lead to fighting, resentment, or, worse, complacency–where you are just going through the motions, more like roommates than two people in love. As Susan writes, “It’s as if we’ve pulled off our own wings.” As couples, we don’t stop to think how important our conversations are. And we certainly don’t understand that what we talk about and how we talk about it determine whether our relationships will thrive, flatline, or fail.

In Fierce Love, New York Times bestselling author Susan Scott guides couples through eight must-have conversations that lead to deep connection and lasting commitment. Through the use of true stories and hands-on exercises, Susan helps us

• understand that the conversation is the relationship;
• identify and dispel five relationship myths that mislead and derail us;
• learn eight conversations that are critical to enriching relationships; and
• stop fighting or ignoring issues and start connecting in a deep and meaningful way.

After a season where many relationships were tested and tried, where some relationships thrived and others have exposed cracks couples didn’t even realize were there, or realized but didn’t acknowledge, now is the best time to learn to communicate well. By having honest, compelling conversations with our partners, we can foster true connection and a fierce love that will withstand the test of time and grow stronger over the years.

Susan Scott is a New York Times bestselling author and leadership development architect who has enabled top executives worldwide to engage in vibrant dialogue with one another, with their employees, and with their customers for two decades. She pioneered the process of fierce conversations that has touched the lives of millions of people and now she’s freshly applying these ideas to our romantic relationships. Susan lives in Medina, Washington.

About the Book

 My Thoughts 

About the Author

About the Book

How do you persevere when you have no more will to fight?

Jennifer and Chad Taylor had dreamed of opening a coffee and cocoa shop since before they said, “I do.” When Chad is sent to prison for murder despite claiming innocence, that dream—along with their family—is shattered.

After years of fighting for Chad’s release, Jennifer finally breaks free from her shame, anger, and hopelessness, and forges ahead with the dream the two of them once shared. With the help of their college-aged twins, she begins to move forward.

Without Chad.

When their lawyer arrives with news of evidence that may prove Chad’s innocence, a strange mixture of emotions overtakes her. Does she want Chad to return home? He isn’t the same man he once was, and she certainly isn’t the same woman. She’s worked hard to piece the remnants of their family back together, and his coming home could fracture the family once again.

It all comes down to one question. She loves her husband enough to fight for his release from prison, but does she love him enough to fight for their marriage?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

About the Authors

Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic, gritty, life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She enjoys live music and theater, walking the shores of Lake Superior, and sharing hot cocoa with friends and family. She lives near Minneapolis with her newly retired husband. Together, they plan to travel across the United States, checking items off their bucket list, beginning with a bus trip to Niagara Falls.

Readers can learn more about Brenda S. Anderson at www.brendaandersonbooks.com

A former barista, Sarah S. Anderson loves all things coffee, so when her mother asked her to help with a book set in a coffee shop, the answer was an enthusiastic “Yes!” When not creating imaginary coffee shops, Sarah spends much of her time at the theater, either on stage acting, singing, and dancing, or offstage as musical director. She lives near the heart of Minneapolis with her two cuddly kitties.

More from Brenda

Why I Wrote Broken Together

Years ago, I watched a late-night interview with a woman who’d fought to free her husband from prison, and she finally won that fight. Near the end of the show, when the interviewer asked how she and her husband were doing now, she replied that they were divorced. It shocked me that she’d fought so hard for him, but then couldn’t hold their marriage together. I knew then that I needed to explore, through fiction, how that could happen.

I’d put off the idea for years, fearing the topic was larger than I could handle, but the story kept pushing its way through.

My daughter, Sarah, and I had often talked about writing a story together, one that would be set in a coffee and cocoa shop, and Broken Together seemed to be the perfect match. As a former barista, Sarah brought the coffee expertise to the story. As a non-coffee drinker, I insisted equal billing for non-coffee beverages.

Then the legal director for the Great Northern Innocence Project graciously offered to walk me through the many the legal hoops someone has to go through to be released once evidence is found.

With her help, I could no longer avoid writing Jenn and Chad’s story. It was a difficult one to write, but it’s also a story filled with hope.

Chad’s Choco-Latte Recipe

Ingredients

2 shots of espresso

3/4 cup whole milk

3 tablespoons of milk chocolate (chips or sauce)

2 tablespoons English toffee sauce (Chad’s secret recipe)

Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Steam milk with chocolate chips or sauce to 150°F
2. Pull 2 espresso shots (Make sure your shots don’t sit longer than 20 seconds or they will expire!)
3. Add English toffee sauce to the bottom of your cup or mug
4. Add espresso shots to your toffee sauce
5. Pour steamed milk into your cup or mug, making sure the milk hits the far side of your mug to help incorporate the ingredients
6. Stir if needed
7. Top with whipped cream and extra English toffee sauce if desired

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 5

An Author’s Take, January 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 6

By the Book, January 7

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 8 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 8

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 10

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 11

lakesidelivingsite, January 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 12

Pause for Tales, January 13

The Sacred Line, January 13

deb’s Book Review, January 14

For Him and My Family, January 15

Spoken from the Heart, January 16

Inklings and notions, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

Texas Book-aholic, January 18

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Brenda and Sarah are giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback book!!

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/1718c/broken-together-celebration-tour-giveaway