Teaser Tuesday ~ Alone Yet Not Alone

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought I would play for fun! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"That was too close," she whispered as she let out a sigh of relief.  She hoped the others had managed to sneak out of camp without beigh caught.  Barbara's heart hammered as she crossed the last bit of open ground....

~taken from p. 85 of Alone Yet not Alone by Tracy Leininger Craven

Deep within America's vast frontier, nestled high among the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, was a lush green valley fringed on its southern border by Penn's Creek.  Long before any settlers beheld its beauty or tilled the soil, the Indians named this fertile land Buffalo Valley. 

~taken from  Alone Yet not Alone by Tracy Leininger Craven

Mailbox Monday ~ July 29, 2013

Join Mailbox Monday meme

@ The Printed Page

July's host is 

Book Obsessed

Julia Child RulesL  Lessons on Savoring Life by Karen Karbo

The Lost Medallion by Bill Muir and Alex Kendrick

Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leininger Craven

Simply Delicious Amish Cooking by Sherry Gore

The Tattared Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter

Prayer Warrior Mom by Marla Alupoaicei

 

 get more information here

Book Description

Moms, are you struggling with patience? Worrying about your children’s spiritual development? Concerned about their social or behavioral issues? Wondering how to get it all done when there’s just never enough time?

Author Marla Alupoaicei knows that today’s Christian moms want to be the parents God intended. They desire to pray boldly and stand in the gap for their kids. But many mothers haven’t been equipped with the prayer skills, scriptural knowledge, and practical strategies to fight the spiritual battle for themselves and their children.

Marla is no stranger to these trials. She has felt the simmering frustration and discontentment that come from the constant tension of trying to do it all for her family. But as Marla began to turn everything over to God in prayer, He granted her an attitude of gratitude, the antidote to despair. “When you and I choose to praise the Lord, He will be fully present in our hearts, in our homes, and with our children,” she says.

In Prayer Warrior Mom, Marla invites you to walk with her through fifteen life-transforming principles that will empower you to effectively intercede for your children. Learn to cultivate your own attitude of gratitude, pray Scripture, be persistent, pray with power and authority, be your children’s #1 advocate, hear God’s voice above the noise of daily life, and much more!

“The only real power we have on this earth is the power of prayer. Our potent prayers for our kids connect them with the reality of God and His will for their lives,” Marla says.

Mom, this is your year. Your year of spiritual breakthrough. Your year to see your children start loving God and living for Him. What are you waiting for? Become a Prayer Warrior Mom today!

In her book, Prayer Warrior Mom, Marla Alupoaicei shares with the reader how they can engage in spiritual warfare so that their children may thrive in Christ.  She gives simple ideas and activities to implement in mom's and child(ren)'s life.  Alupoaicei shares strategies on how to powerfully, specifically and effective pray for your child.  In Prayer Warrior Mom, you'll find....

• how to cultivate an attitude of gratitude
• scriptures to pray
• how you can stand in the gap
• how to pray with power and authority
• where to get help when needed
• the importance of being persistent
• learn importance of fasting and how to fast
• learn to love to pray
• become your child's number one advocate
• learn to live with spiritual perspective
• learn the importance of forgiveness and grace
• learn to hear God's voice above daily noise

a copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

Harvest of Gold by Tessa Afshar

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Harvest of Gold River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2013) by Tessa Afshar
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TESSA AFSHAR was voted "New Author of the Year" by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader's Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The scribe Sarah married Darius, and at times she feels as if she has married the Persian aristocracy, too. There is another point she did not count on in her marriage-Sarah has grown to love her husband. Sarah has wealth, property, honor, and power, but her husband's love still seems unattainable.

Although his mother was an Israelite, Darius remains skeptical that his Jewish wife is the right choice for him, particularly when she conspires with her cousin Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Ordered to assist in the effort, the couple begins a journey to the homeland of his mother's people. Will the road filled with danger, conflict, and surprising memories, help Darius to see the hand of God at work in his life-and even in his marriage?

A hidden message, treachery, opposition, and a God-given success, will lead to an unlikely bounty.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Harvest of Gold, go HERE.

Mailbox Monday ~ July 22, 2013

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July's host is 

Book Obsessed

Millie's Treasure by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Dolled Up To Die by Lorena McCourtney

When Cate Kinkaid receives a frantic call about a triple homicide, she drives to the scene against her better judgement—aren’t triple homicides more up the police department’s alley?—only to find that the victims are not quite who she expects. Now she has a new rule to add to those she’s learned in
her short stint as an assistant private investigator: always find out if the victims actually have human DNA. Because these three do not.

But who would shoot this nice lady’s dolls? What possible reason could the shooter have? And then there’s the startling discovery of another victim, who definitely does have human DNA . . .

With tension that is matched only by humor, Dolled Up to Die is the exciting second book in Lorena McCourtney’s The Cate Kinkaid Files. Mystery fans won’t find a place to stop and take a breath in this fast-paced and intriguing tale.

learn more about this book here

Private Investigator, Cate Kindaid,  is back with a new mystery to solve.  If you are looking for a wonderful book to take to the beach, pool or shady reading spot then  look no further.  Lorena McCourtney's book Dolled Up to Die will fit in the bag quite well and keep you turning the pages for more.  McCourtney rolls humor and mystery in a fun charming way.  It's good clean reading at it's best, which is what I love about this.  It is her second in this series,  though they are stand alones you don't need to read them in order to stay in the loop many of the characters you'll find in Dying to Read are back in this book.  It is an awesome read and totally fun.  Maybe too busy now?  well, keep it in mind of a nice winter time read - I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Lorena McCourtney is the award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Dying to Read, Invisible (which won a Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), In Plain Sight, On the Run, and Stranded. She resides in Grants Pass, Oregon. Find out more at www.lorenamccourtney.com.

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by... 

Down and Out in Beverly Heels by Kathryn Leigh Scott

Meg Barnes, a beloved actress for her role as TV detective Jinx Forgarty,  has it all but thanks to her newlywed con-man  husband,  loses everything and ends up living on the streets of Tinsel Town in her Ritz-Volvo. This fun, light-hearted romance takes us into the Hollywood social swirl, but also delves into the gritty truth of what it is to be “homeless and hiding it” in one of the most glittering, fashionable cities in the world. It’s also a story of redemption with a “Thelma and Louise” twist as Meg, incorporating skills she learned as a TV detective, tracks down her fugitive husband and struggles to regain her reputation, career and friendships.

Purchase your copy at AMAZON.

It's chic at it's best.  Its light hearted, fun and romance under the eyes "Heels" of Hollywood. You'll be kicking up your heels waiting to see what it going to happen next.  If you like behind the scene detective work then this is the romance for you.  Be warned though if you are opposed to some curse words the author does use them  (see my post on curse words here) for that I was highly disappointed.

Visit the tour schedule here and see where you can find character interviews, first chapter reveals and more.  Learn more about this book here

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Kathryn Leigh Scott is an actress, probably best known for creating the roles of Josette DuPres and Maggie Evans, the love interests of vampire Barnabas Collins in the cult classic TV show “Dark Shadows.” Down and Out in Beverly Heels is her second work of fiction. Scott wrote Dark Passages, a paranormal romance, with more than a passing nod to the ‘60s soap and she appeared in the Johnny Depp/Tim Burton film Dark Shadows last year.

Scott is currently at work on a sequel to Down and Out in Beverly Heels.

To learn more about Kathyrn, please visit www.kathrynleighscott.com .

Connect & Socialize:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by...

In Golden Splendor by Michael Reynolds

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing In Golden Splendor • B&H Books (July 15, 2013) by Michael Reynolds
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael K. Reynolds is the writer and producer of Emmy and Telly Award-winning film campaigns and has more than two decades of experience in fiction, journalism, copywriting, and documentary production. He owns Global Studio, a marketing agency, and is also an active leader in church and business, speaking in both ministry and corporate settings. Michael lives with his wife and three children in Reno, Nevada.

ABOUT THE BOOK
 

Irish immigrant Seamus Hanley is a lost soul, haunted by his past as a U.S. Army deserter and living alone in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in 1849. But after witnessing a deadly stage coach crash, he finds purpose in the scattered wreckage -- a letter with a picture of a beautiful and captivating woman named Ashlyn living in San Francisco at the height of the Gold Rush. Moved by her written plea for help, he abandons all and sets out on an epic journey across the wild and picturesque American frontier. While being pursued by those who want to hang him, Seamus encounters fascinating characters including a young Pauite Indian who makes the ultimate sacrifice in helping Seamus to cross the snowy Yosemite Valley. Battered but changed for the better, Seamus reaches San Francisco on Christmas Eve as the city burns in the tragic fire of 1849. But there is little time for rest, as an even greater, more harrowing adventure involving Ashlyn is about to begin.

If you would like to read the first chapter of In Golden Splendor, go HERE

Teaser Tuesday ~ Down and Out in Beverly Heels

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought I would play for fun! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I rang the bell before unlocking the front door, even though I knew Paul wasn't home.  Otherwise he'd have bounded down the walkway as soon as my car pulled up.  I would have seen him striding toward me, tanned and grinning, his shirttails flapping over well-worn khakis, eager to sweep me up in his arms.  Instead, I was greeted with newspapers yellowing on the front steps. I pulled the key from the lock and stepped inside to dense silence and the mustiness of a house shut up, unoccupied-how long?  Three weeks? 

~taken from p. 1 of  Down and Out in Beverly Heels by Kathryn Leigh Scott

My husband and his mistress are dead-offed by a hit man the cops think I hired.  I shift in my chair, trying to look calm.  My lips stick to my teeth, but I manage to keep smiling as my mind grapples with the inane plot line of the script. 

~taken from Down and Out in Beverly Heels by Kathryn Leigh Scott

Mailbox Monday ~ July 15, 2013

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July's host is 

Book Obsessed
 

What's In Your 24?  by Dana Simone Stovall

Catch a falling star by Beth K. Vogt

Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson

How Too came to be by E. DANTES

“THE SPARK”

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,

There is a rapture on the lonely shore,

There is society, where none intrudes,

By the deep sea, and music in its roar:

I love not man the less, but Nature more,

From these our interviews, in which I steal

From all I may be, or have been before,

To mingle with the Universe, and feel

What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal.

- Lord Byron

Lord Byron’s Canto describes exactly how “Too” came into being, well almost...The pathless woods was the back garden, the lonely shore was the patio and the deep sea was terracotta saucer that had been turned into a makeshift bird bath.

Unfortunately inspiration for mere mortals happens in the most ordinary of places. Everything else is “sleight of mind” performed by pen and paper illusionists - PR copywriters!.

So for all aspiring children’s book writers/illustrators here are my top tips on how to be ordinary:

“Under Your Nose”
The best characters can be right in front of you. “Too” was born from watching sparrows in the back garden. They reminded me of mischievous little children and one in particular was far worse than the rest. He had a tuft of feathers that looked like a mohawk and he was so rambunctious that the character “Too” was almost a life study.

“Wheels On The Bus...”
There is nothing wrong with clichéd stories, especially in children’s books. There’s a reason why Dr Seuss, AA Milne and Roald Dahl are still successful (apart from being brilliant!) - children don’t change. Everyday is a mixture of adventure, imagination and learning.

“Two plus two...”
Experimenting with characters and underlying themes is great but as I discovered sometimes it’s best to play safe. For example “Too’s” name was initially spelt “‘Too” as in Cockatoo (don’t ask) which is why his mohawk was yellow but one day I heard a child say “Me Too, Me Too” the rest was history.

“Sleep On It”
This is the best timesaving advice I can give. When you become frustrated, don’t try to carry on working because everything you do will end up in the trash.Trust me I know!

One last thing, enjoy what you do because there is no greater reward than a smile or laugh from a child. It’s the only spark that really matters anyway.

Visit this author's blog tour page here. too learn more about this book and the author

Book Website:
http://www.toosparrow.com

Seeds of Beauty by Lakeysha-Marie Green

What’s the real secret to radiant beauty? It may come as no surprise that how we look on the outside is directly connected to the beauty deep inside us. What’s more, when we are burdened with the weight of low self-esteem, it’s all-too-visible in our physical appearance. That’s why a truly successful makeover begins by reconnecting with who we are at our very core—long before the swipe of the credit card or snip of the shears.

Now, fashion stylist Lakeysha-Marie Green has written a groundbreaking new guide to developing show-stopping beauty from the inside out. Inspirational and easy to use, The Seeds of Beauty seamlessly joins the key elements of inner beauty with savvy, expert style advice on making the most of your own physical attributes. Addressing both of these all-important parts of true beauty, this gorgeous resource comes together in one illuminating journey that looks as fabulous as it feels. In Part One, “Beauty Within,” you’ll learn to build a foundation of self-love, exploring subjects such as acknowledging your value, developing resilience and finding the courage to move forward. Part Two, “Beauty Reflected,” offers you practical advice on wardrobe fundamentals to bring out your beauty and create a winning style, such as working with your body type, selecting your best colors, choosing a swimsuit, and even building a shoe wardrobe. Unlike other fashion and beauty makeover books on the market, The Seeds of Beauty challenges you to discover just why you are uniquely beautiful on the inside. Once you have embraced your own brand of beauty, you’ll be truly motivated to master the building blocks to accentuate your appearance—and glow with your own exquisite beauty from the inside out.  
PURCHASE AT:

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ABOUT LAKEYSHA-MARIE GREEN

Author Lakeysha-Marie Green is no stranger to tackling style dilemmas. A fashion stylist and former women's fit technologist, her extensive experience in the fashion industry taught her the importance of fit, fashion, and effortless style. Her penchant for creativity led to her work in editorial magazines, international film premieres, and advertising. Passionate about helping women to look their best, Lakeysha-Marie has contributed her style expertise on television and in print publications. Inspired by her own roller coaster ride to self-discovery, Lakeysha-Marie began writing to illustrate the potential for transformation that lies within us all. She holds a degree in fashion design & merchandising, with continued coursework in styling & photography from the London College of Fashion.

Visit her blog at: http://www.theseedsofbeauty.com

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Pump Up Your Book and Lakeysha-Marie Green are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $100 Macy's gift card and a $50 Sephora gift card!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Seeds of Beauty Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule

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Monday, June 17 - Book featured at Mary's Cup of Tea

Tuesday, June 18 - 1st Chapter Reveal at 4 the Love of Books

Wednesday, June 19 - 1st Chapter Reveal at Parenting 2.0

Friday, June 21 - Interviewed at Review From Here

Monday, June 24 - Book featured at Beyond the Books

Tuesday, June 25 - Book featured at Authors and Readers Book Corner

Thursday, June 27 - Book reviewed at My Life. One Story at a Time

Friday, June 28 - Interviewed at Literal Exposure

Wednesday, July 3 - Book reviewed at Library of Clean Reads

Friday, July 5 -Guest blogging at Literarily Speaking

Monday, July 7 - Guest blogging at The Writer's Life

Wednesday, July 10 - Book featured at 4 the Love of Books

Thursday, July 11 - 1st chapter reveal at As the Pages Turn

Tuesday, July 16 - Book reviewed at I'm Shelf-ish

Wednesday, July 17 - Guest blogging at Between the Covers

Thursday, July 18 - Interviewed at Broowaha

Friday, July 19 - Guest blogging at The Story Behind the Book

Monday, July 22 - Book featured at Confessions of a Reader

Tuesday, July 23 - Book featured at Parenting 2.0

Wednesday, July 24 - Interviewed at Beyond the Books

Thursday, July 25 - Interviewed at Pump Up Your Book

Friday, July 26 - Interviewed at Examiner

Friday, July 26 - Guest blogging at Allvoices