Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Review + Tour GIVEAWAY: Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock



About the Book

Book: Catching Christmas  
Author: Terri Blackstock  
Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christmas  
Release Date: October 9, 2018  

This Year, Christmas Comes Just in Time

As a first-year law associate, Sydney Batson knows she will be updating her resume by New Year’s if she loses her current court case. So when her grandmother gets inexplicably ill while she’s in court, Sydney arranges for a cab to get her to the clinic. 

The last thing cab driver Finn Parrish wants is to be saddled with a wheelchair-bound old lady with dementia. But because Miss Callie reminds him of his own mother, whom he failed miserably in her last days, he can’t say no when she keeps calling him for rides. Once a successful gourmet chef, Finn’s biggest concern now is making his rent, but half the time Callie doesn’t remember to pay him. And as she starts to feel better, she leads him on wild goose chases to find a Christmas date for her granddaughter. 

When Finn meets Sydney, he’s quite sure that she’s never needed help finding a date. Does Miss Callie have an ulterior motive, or is this just a mission driven by delusions? He’s willing to do whatever he can to help fulfill Callie’s Christmas wish. He just never expected to be a vital part of it.

Click here to purchase your copy.


My Thoughts


Catching Christmas is a beautiful and awesome read for the Christmas season – or anytime, for that matter, because it’s message of hope and redemption knows no season. Terri Blackstock has written a gem of a book – quirky, emotional, romantic, and downright funny at times – and totally different from anything I could have ever expected. Jesus is clearly seen in this story.

Callie has made herself a daily fixture in my life. She’s like
gum on the bottom of my shoe. There’s no way
to get it off without making a mess.
- Finn

Catching Christmas revolves around three characters: Sydney, a young lady with a stress filled, thankless job at a cutthroat law firm; Finn, the reluctant hero, a gourmet chef turned taxicab driver; and Callie, Sydney’s grandmother. Callie is the heart and soul of this story, and when Finn responded to the dispatcher’s call that sent him to Callie’s home, there’s no way he could have anticipated what a pivotal moment in his life that would be.

In the hands of Blackstock’s skilled writing, a story that has the potential to be sad doesn’t come across that way at all. There’s a good balance between humor and poignancy, with some delightfully funny moments – such as the day Finn took Callie shopping.

I feel like I’m getting to know Callie’s Jesus a little better,
even though I’m doing all the talking.
But he speaks volumes in the way he listens.
- Finn

An anonymous quote that I’ve frequently heard so aptly applies to Callie: “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” Catching Christmas reminds us of what’s most important in life, the value of savoring relationships, and of the far-reaching testimony our everyday interactions with people can have.

Normally a writer of suspense, this is Blackstock’s first Christmas story, and I hope many more will follow.

Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

About the Author

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. Catching Christmas is her first Christmas romance. 

Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com 
Facebook: tblackstock 
Twitter: @terriblackstock




From Terri Blackstock

Enjoy this premium excerpt from Catching Christmas:
https://aerbook.com/books/-128993.html?utm_source=pubpage 

To get you in the Christmas mood, here’s an early holiday playlist: 
“White Christmas” sung by Bing Crosby 
“I Heard the Bells” sung by MercyMe 
“Light of the World” sung by Lauren Daigle 
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” sung by Amy Grant 
“Don’t Save it All for Christmas Day” sung by Avalon 
“Till the Season Comes ‘Round Again” sung by the Katinas


Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away a grand prize of a finished copy of Catching Christmas and a Christmas Tree Ornament!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.



Blog Stops


Daysong Reflections, December 15
Genesis 5020, December 15
Back Porch Reads, December 15
The Power of Words, December 16
Quiet Quilter, December 16
Among the Reads, December 17
Kathleen Denly, December 17
By The Book, December 17
Lighthouse Academy, December 17
Cultivating Us, December 18
Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, December 18
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 20
amandainpa, December 20
Multifarious, December 21
Cathe Swanson, December 21
Stories By Gina, December 21
Connect in Fiction, December 22
Have A Wonderful Day, December 22
Splashes of Joy, December 22
Bibliophile Reviews, December 22
Lis Loves Reading, December 23
Mary Hake, December 23
Bigreadersite, December 23
Book by Book, December 24
Pause for Tales, December 24
Vicky Sluiter, December 25
Inklings and notions, December 26
Captive Dreams Window, December 27
Texas Book-aholic, December 27
Older & Smarter?, December 28
Janices book reviews, December 28
Carpe Diem, December 28

Monday, December 10, 2018

Review + Tour GIVEAWAY: Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols


Silent Days Holy Night blog tour

Let's all get in the mood for Christmas with this blog tour and giveaway for Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols, hosted by JustRead Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

silent days, holy night Title: Silent Days, Holy Night  
Author: Phyllis Clark Nichols  
Publisher: Gilead Publishing  
Release Date: October 30, 2018  
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction/Christmas  

The sounds of Christmases past echo through a silent house...  

Everyone in town knows Emerald Crest, the green granite mansion atop the highest hill: the legendary, lavish Christmas festivities that used to light up the nights— and the silence that followed when the parties abruptly stopped many years ago. And everyone has heard whispers about the reclusive, mysterious master of the manor, Henry Lafferty the Second . . .

When eleven-year-old Julia Russell steps into the great house for the first time and meets Mr. Lafferty, the entire course of her life is altered. She meets a man who is nothing at all like the rumors she’s heard from neighbors and classmates. He’s kind and extraordinarily talented—he also happens to be deaf and uses a wheelchair. And when she overhears a secret about him, Julia decides it’s time for the town to bring Christmas back to Emerald Crest—an act that will change them all forever.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository



MY THOUGHTS

Mr. Lafferty was just a whole heap of mystery,
and I wanted to know more and more about him.
- Julia

Silent Days, Holy Night is a jewel of a story, a treasured Christmas classic that I savored through its touching moments, thoughtful acts of kindness, gentle humor, and even shed tears of happiness over. This is a story of a pivotal moment in a young girl’s life and its far-reaching effects, but also pictures God’s love in sending His precious Son to us. Phyllis Clark Nichols has become one of my favorite writers of contemporary fiction and Silent Days, Holy Night is a “best of the best” read for me.

The narrative begins with the unveiling of festive preparations for a Christmas gala at Emerald Crest, a majestic mansion in the mountains of West Virginia, then takes us back sixteen years to 2002, when a ten-year-old Julia first meets Henry Lafferty the Second, a recluse in his late 50s. Emerald Crest itself becomes a major character, a mountain home with outside walls built out of green granite from the north, and floors out of green marble from Ireland, a tribute to Henry’s beloved grandmother.

Julia and Henry Lafferty are two of the most memorable fictional characters ever – rich, well-drawn, relatable characters who pull at the heart strings. With the precocious Julia, the author did a wonderful job in combining childlike qualities with those of inquisitiveness, intellect, and giftedness. Henry, given the name “H” in sign language by Julia, is kind hearted, generous, highly intelligent, and a talented sculptor. The connection between these two is palpable, and no words are necessary as music, smiles and hugs become their language. In the words of Julia’s grandmother, Grancie, “His troubles could have made him a bitter, angry man, but they just seemed to make him better. In his silence, he must have learned some important lessons about living and making a difference in the world.”

“When there’s a bit of mystery, then people start making
up stuff, and the next generation adds to the tales.
And before long there are more legends than truth.”
– Julia’s mom

There’s so much to reflect upon in this story, one being the way we interact with people whose disabilities set them apart. Getting to know Henry through Julia’s eyes was a beautiful experience, and although she couldn’t bring him sound, what she did bring was of much more importance – music, companionship, and new family-like relationships.

Another thought is how seemingly unimportant moments can become all important in the direction our lives take. The dictionary defines pivotal as being “of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else” – and that perfectly describes Julia’s first meeting with Henry. Not only was Julia’s life changed, but that of Henry and so many others in the town. As I read this story, I couldn’t help but reflect back on some pivotal, God-sent moments in my own life.

The overall theme of this story is its expression of God sending Jesus to reveal His character and love for us. Silent Days, Holy Night is a touching and emotional story, one that I will be reading again during future Christmas seasons.

Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phyllis-Publicity750x1000

Phyllis Clark Nichols’s character-driven Southern fiction explores profound human questions using the imagined residents of small town communities you just know you’ve visited before. With a strong faith and a love for nature, art, music, and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment . . . often through surprisingly serendipitous events.

Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South Georgia. Born during a hurricane, she is no stranger to the winds of change: In addition to her life as a novelist, Phyllis is a seminary graduate, concert pianist, and cofounder of a national cable network with health- and disability-related programming. Regardless of the role she’s playing, Phyllis brings creativity and compelling storytelling.

She frequently appears at conventions, conferences, civic groups, and churches, performing half-hour musical monologues that express her faith, joy, and thoughts about life—all with the homespun humor and gentility of a true Southern woman.

Phyllis currently serves on several nonprofit boards. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband.  

CONNECT WITH PHYLLIS: website | Facebook | Twitter



silent days, holy night giveaway

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive (US only):
  • a print copy of Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols
  • a print copy of Sleigh Bells Ring by various authors
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight December 10, 2018 and last through 11:59pm December 17, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.



Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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Saturday, December 1, 2018

Review: Defending Christmas by Carol Ross


Defending Christmas
By Carol Ross
12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas


Summary

Christmas Town’s city attorney Lincoln Vasser suspects the multi-million-dollar lawsuit threatening the town is a fraud, but he needs help proving it. Private Investigator Jax Marshall comes highly recommended, but when Lincoln hires her he can’t quite figure out why. Her laid-back attitude, questionable work ethic, and apparent unconcern for the urgency of the case rub him the wrong way. It doesn't make sense for him to be attracted to her.

Jax Marshall knows that taking a case for the arrogant Lincoln Vasser is a mistake. But when he makes her an offer much more tempting than money, she agrees. She soon wishes she hadn’t. The guy is demanding and uptight, and, worst of all, he keeps trying to tell her how to do her job! He's almost completely unlikable. Almost.

Finding a way to work together is difficult enough, admitting that they’re falling in love is going to take an extra nudge of the very Christmas Town magic they’re trying to save.


My thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella by Carol Ross from the 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas collection! Defending Christmas takes a city lawyer, private investigator, a potential lawsuit that threatens the town – adds in a little fantasy – and spins an enchanting story. Some characters from previous books are present and other storylines alluded to, but this story stands alone. Defending Christmas is well written and clean, a truly heartwarming read during all the busyness of the Christmas season.

I’ve always been drawn to the New England area, so Christmas Town, Maine is a very appealing setting. It has a great community ambiance and I’d love to read more from this Christmas collection. Lincoln and Jax are well-drawn characters, surprising to find in a novella-length story. While they come across a little strong and self-willed at first, it doesn’t take long before their rough edges soften and they bring out the best in each other. The chemistry between them is great and I loved the lively conversation, snappy banter back and forth.

Lincoln knew his attachment to the stocking was
irrational. It didn’t even make sense to him. But every 
time he looked at it, he felt a morsel of hope.

Best of all is the magic Christmas stocking with its gentle message that only a few could see, including Jax and Lincoln – the calling to find one’s reason or purpose. I can’t speak for other stories in this series, but they’re written by Harlequin Heartwarming authors and should be enjoyable.

I received a copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

_________________________


Carol Ross lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. She adores the Pacific Northwest because it provides her with endless opportunities for the activities she loves—hiking, running, skiing, and spending time outdoors.

Although she enjoys reading in many genres, she writes what she loves the most—romance, especially light-hearted stories about the fun, flirty, and often-tumultuous path toward a happily ever after.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Review + Tour GIVEAWAY: The Unannounced Christmas Visitor by Patrick Higgins




About the Book

Book: The Unannounced Christmas Visitor  
Author: Patrick Higgins  
Genre: Christian fiction/Christmas  
Release Date: November 18, 2014

What if angels really did come from the most unlikely of places? That’s exactly what happens in this heartwarming story, set in a homeless community in Anywhere USA. Sent to Planet Earth by his Maker, disguised as a homeless person, Enoch was on a mission: to rescue a man whose life was slowly but steadily spiraling out of control. 

Inspired by Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it,” this story will stir your soul like never before, guaranteed! 2016 IPA (INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHER AWARDS) GOLD MEDAL AWARD WINNER.

Click here to purchase your copy!


My Thoughts


“Yahweh, Jehovah God, change the overall heart of
this gathering place of believers to resemble the
heart of Yeshua rather than the unconverted world.”
- Enoch

The Unannounced Christmas Visitor by Patrick Higgins is a compelling, thought-provoking story that I enjoyed very much. It seems like a combination of allegory or parable and relationship drama – relationship between members of the Jensen family, and relationship between mankind and God. In the opening pages, an angel in the form of a homeless man, Enoch, enters a megachurch worship service, is promptly escorted from the front to the back row, and proceeds to shake up the norm. Elements of this story reminded me of the beloved classic, In His Steps.

I loved the interaction within the Jensen family. John, once a loving husband/father and devout Christian, had become disconnected from his family, standoffish and argumentative in recent months. Lydia was open to God’s working in her life and began reaching out to Enoch and the homeless group in the park. Lydia knew that “her Savior was more interested in the condition of the heart and how His followers treated others, than how many Christian songs and Bible verses they had memorized.”

Enoch was a fascinating character and I adored him. His mission from God wasn’t clearly revealed at first, so he had spent a good amount of time with the homeless group, ministering to them in incredible spiritual ways. The author brought this group to life, making me care about them. Then as Lydia, and later John, reached out to them, the story was hard to put down. I loved the impact of the night John spent with them in the cold park.

“Until you’re put in a position of total dependency on
Christ and not your own abilities, you’ll never truly know
what it means to be fully alive as one of His followers.”
- Leroy

This story clearly presents the gospel message. There are lengthy passages of dialogue – teaching, sermonizing, etc. – but the intrinsic value of the message reigns supreme. The story illuminates the real meaning of Christmas, perfect for the season or anytime of the year. An Unexpected Christmas Visitor would make a great gift for a new Christian, a seeker, or someone who has grown complacent in their faith.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.


About the Author



Patrick Higgins is the author of “The Pelican Trees,” “Coffee In Manila,” the award-winning “The Unannounced Christmas Visitor,” and the award-winning prophetic end times series, “Chaos In The Blink Of An Eye.”





Guest Post from Patrick

Why I wrote the book: Inspired by Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it,” this story will stir your soul like never before, guaranteed!


Giveaway




To celebrate his tour, Patrick is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.




Blog Stops


Lighthouse Academy, November 10
The Power of Words, November 11
Genesis 5020, November 12
Bogging With Carol, November 12
Moments, November 14
Mary Hake, November 15
Inklings and notions, November 16
Bibliophile Reviews, November 17
Vicky Sluiter, November 18
Godly Book Reviews, November 19
Luv’N Lambert Life, November 20
Texas Book-aholic, November 21
Janices book reviews, November 21
Carpe Diem, November 22
Bigreadersite, November 22
amandainpa, November 23

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Review + Tour GIVEAWAY: The 12 Gifts of Christmas by Lena Nelson Dooley




About the Book

Book Title: The 12 Gifts of Christmas  
Author: Lena Nelson Dooley  
Genre: Christian Romance/ Christmas  
Release date: September 4, 2018

Malcolm MacGregor is a descendant of Scotland’s Clan MacGregor and a successful young businessman in Fort Worth, Texas. Alanza Cantalamessa works at a gourmet pizzeria owned by her Brazilian artist mother and her Italian Poppa. Both of them are smitten with each other but Malcolm is too reserved to do much more than make small talk—until a promotion at work that will send him away to Australia for six months. It’s December and he has to do something—fast. 

Praying about the situation, Malcolm decides to give her twelve gifts leading up to Christmas. Their families and friends think they are moving too fast. And a gold-digger who tossed Malcolm aside in the past has now decided he’s the man of her dreams. 

Can Malcolm and Alanza overcome their obstacles before he has to go abroad? Or is it really not meant to be?

Click here to purchase your copy!


My thoughts...


The 12 Gifts of Christmas is a creative and enjoyable read, especially in these weeks leading up to Christmas. For a story where the attraction is almost instant and the relationship progresses rather quickly, Lena Nelson Dooley surprisingly crafts a story where the characters seem real and we get to know them well.

I loved how setting played such a huge part and enjoyed seeing the Dallas/Ft. Worth area through Dooley’s skillful writing. From restaurants to local events, like ICE, the area came alive as Malcolm and Alanza got to know each other. I also enjoyed the emphasis on family as the backgrounds of these two were gradually revealed.

Malcolm and Alanza, of Scottish and Brazilian descent respectively, come from very different heritages, yet they have a lot in common. Both are good-hearted,  comfortable financially, but most importantly, they share a strong faith. My favorite part was the emphasis on seeking God’s guidance and how prayer seemed as natural as breathing, which it should be.

I can’t leave without mentioning that there’s a great scene toward the end where Malcolm MacGregor appears in full Scottish regalia. There’s just something about a Scotsman that gets to me!

The 12 Gifts of Christmas is an uplifting, heartwarming story – perfect for getting in the Christmas spirit.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.


About the Author

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, her local chapter in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the Christian Authors’ Network, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. Her forty-plus books have sold more than 875,000 copies. 

Lena’s books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publisher Weekly bestseller lists, as well as some Amazon bestseller lists. She also writes a popular blog, A Christian Writer’s World, that features other authors’ books. The blog received the Readers’ Choice Blog of the Year Award from the Book Club Network. 

Lena is a three-time finalist in the Carol Awards ACFW contest. Her 2010 release, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western Fiction. Her next series, McKenna’s Daughters: Maggie’s Journey appeared on a reviewers’ Top Ten Books of 2011 list. It also won the 2012 Selah award for Historical Novel. The second, Mary’s Blessing, was a Selah Award finalist for Romance novel. Catherine’s Pursuit, released in 2013, was the winner of the NTRWA Carolyn Reader’s Choice contest, took second place in the CAN Golden Scroll Novel of the Year award, and won the Will Rogers Medallion bronze medallion. Her book, A Heart’s Gift, won RWA’s Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award in July 2017. 

Lena is also the host of The Lena Nelson Dooley Show on the Along Came a Writer blogtalk radio network. She has experience in screenwriting, acting, directing, and voice-overs, and currently serves on the board of directors of Higher Ground Films. She has been featured in Christian Fiction Online Magazine, ACFW Journal, Book Fun Magazine, Charisma Magazine, and Christian Retailing.


Guest Post from Lena

She took the pan off the burner, dropped tiny marshmal-lows into the waiting over-sized mugs, and filled them with the fragrant hot chocolate. “Do you want to drink it here, or would you rather go in the living room? The sofa is more comfortable.” 

“Whatever you want to do.” His honeyed tone wrapped around her like a warm blanket. 

She handed a mug to him, picked up her own, along with coasters and two napkins, and headed into the living room. He followed. 

Alanza’s Best Hot Chocolate 

Ingredients: 

4 cups milk 
1/2 cup sugar 
1/3 cup good quality cocoa powder 
3 tbls. honey 
1 tsp. vanilla extract 
1 dark chocolate bar 
1 can real whipped cream 
Maraschino cherries 

Instructions: 

Heat milk over medium to low heat, stirring constantly until milk starts to bubble slightly (about 10 minutes). Meanwhile, mix sugar and cocoa together until well blended. When milk is ready, gradually add in sugar, cocoa, and honey, stirring constantly. Put heat on low and add shavings of chocolate bar and vanilla. Continue stirring until chocolate has melted. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries on top, as desired.


Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbuck’s Gift Card and a surprise Christmas gift!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.



Blog Stops


The Power of Words, October 9
Among the Reads, October 10
A Diva’s Heart, October 10
Luv’N Lambert Life, October 11
Baker Kella, October 11
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 12
Britt Reads Fiction, October 13
Texas Book-aholic, October 13
Susan Loves Books, October 14
Splashes of Joy, October 15
Creating Romance, October 16
Bigreadersite, October 16
Mary Hake, October 17
Maureen’s Musings, October 18
Bibliophile Reviews, October 20
Pause for Tales, October 20
More Of Him, October 21
Carpe Diem, October 22