Change of Heart (Sisters & Friends #1) by Rachel J. Good -- Book Tour Review + Guest Post + Giveaway
7/21/2016
About the BookLydia Esh’s younger sister Emma is running wild during Rumschpringe, causing the family major heartaches. Although it means risking her reputation, her job as a schoolteacher, and her courtship with Jakob Zook, Lydia attends parties to watch over Emma and protect her sister’s virtue. When Emma begins a relationship with Kyle, an Englischer, Lydia teams up with Kyle’s older brother, Caleb, to keep the couple apart. As Lydia and Caleb spend time together keeping an eye on their siblings, Lydia falls for this forbidden love. Will she stay true to her faith even if it means giving up the man she loves? About the AuthorRachel J. Good, inspirational author, writes life-changing, heartfelt novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She is the author of Amish romances in the Sisters & Friends series. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her novels. A former teacher and librarian, she completed her MA from Vermont College while raising five children. She is presently an MFA student in Writing and Illustration at Hollins University. In addition to having more than 2200 articles and 30 books in print or forthcoming under several pseudonyms, she also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers. To buy the Amish Quilts Coloring Book: http://amzn.to/1T35q5p Visit Rachel at: Guest post from Rachel J. GoodHi, I’m Rachel J. Good, inspirational author of heartfelt tales of faith, hope, and forgiveness. I’m excited to launch the first book in my Sisters & Friends Amish series, Change of Heart. Although I’ve been writing for many years and have about 30 books out now, this is my first inspirational novel. I’m busy editing book 2, Buried Secrets, and writing book 3, Gift from Above. And I’m planning the next three books in the series. I’ve been asked how I came to write Amish novels. For that, I have to credit my agent Mary Sue Seymour, who suggested it to me. I loved the idea because I’d lived near Lancaster, PA, and had always been interested in the Amish. Although Mary Sue went to heaven a few months ago, just before the book launched, I feel her presence in my life as I write. She believed in me as a writer and encouraged me to work on this novel, which she quickly sold. Lydia’s story in Change of Heart has several connections with my real life. The first is that I’m the oldest in my family and have two sisters, and so does Lydia. We both feel responsible our younger sisters. Lydia’s younger sister, Emma, gets in trouble during Rumschpringe. (And no, her wild sister doesn’t resemble either of my two younger sisters.) The second connection with my life is the spiritual lesson Lydia learns in the book. I wanted Lydia’s journey to be not only a struggle between faith and love, but also a personal inner journey from self-righteousness to seeing with God’s loving eyes. Oftentimes, goodness and spirituality can be a source of pride, and it can also be used to justify being judgmental. Lydia’s sister Emma points this out to her, but in my case, it was my young daughter who piped up, when I was complaining about someone at church, and said, “She sounds just like you, Mommy.” Ouch! That day I came face to face with the truth that often what I criticize most in another person is often a flaw or a sin I’m overlooking in myself. As Matthew 7:3 (NIV) says: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” I wanted Lydia’s story to reflect that truth. The Amish try to avoid the sin of hochmut (pride), but Lydia, without realizing it, is secretly proud of her own spirituality. It often saddens me that, as Christians, we spend more time criticizing others outside the faith or with different lifestyles or beliefs, but very little time examining our own unloving and judgmental behavior. I’d like to see us become more like Jesus, who ate with the “publicans and sinners,” and showed love to everyone, instead of condemning them. Lydia is also forced to choose between staying in her faith or leaving it for love. I, too, faced a similar challenge many years ago, so I wrote those scenes from my heart. I hope Lydia’s story touches hearts, and that readers come away reassured that although we can’t always see the larger picture, God can, and He’s working out a wonderful plan for us. Our present circumstances might seem dark, but He knows the final results. We need to trust Him even during the challenging times, because “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). ReviewRachel J. Good has written a charming coming of age Amish tale. It is about a young family where one sister, Emma, is going through her rumschpringe, and rebelling, attending wild parties, and causing her family much heartache in the process. Emma’s older sister, Lydia, tries to help see Lydia that she needs to change her ways and change her heart. In the process of trying to bring her sister back to the fold, Lydia meets Emma’s Englischer boyfriend’s older brother, Caleb, and forms an unlikely attachment as they both strive to keep an eye on their younger siblings. So now Lydia must find a way to help her sister and decide if she will continue falling for and get together with Englischer Caleb, or marry her Amish intended Jakob. A sweet and inspiring story of struggling between right and wrong, offering and receiving forgiveness, and going for something good or something better. I would recommend this readers to those that enjoy inspirational, Amish fiction. Series: Sisters & Friends Genre: Amish, Christian Publisher: Realms Publication date: May 3, 2016 Number of pages: 304 Content Rating: PG, Amish coming of age, rebellion Book Rating: 4 stars Other books in the series: 2-Buried Secrets (Fall 2016) 3-Gift from Above (Spring 2017) A review copy of this book was provided by CelebrateLit via NetGalley. GiveawayTo celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away lots of fun prizes, including copies of her books and even a box of Whoopie Pies from Bird-in-Hand Bakery. Click here to enter HERE. Tour ScheduleJuly 14: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
July 15: Bigreadersite July 16: Blossoms and Blessings July 17: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS July 18: Bukwurmzzz July 19: Christian Bookaholic July 20: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner July 21: Singing Librarian Books July 22: Quiet Quilter July 23: Texas Book-aholic July 24: A Greater Yes July 24: Carpe Diem July 25: Red Headed Book Lady July 25: Cassandra M’s Place July 26: His Grace is Sufficient July 27: cherylbbookblog Click each graphic to be taken to the Goodreads descriptoin. CanadaChinaEgyptEnglandGermanyPolandScotlandNote: Still need to read When Calls the Heart and Like a River From Its Course, but have read all others listed. So where do you like to travel?
Having been raised in Arizona, Laura L. Walker and her husband whom she met at Northern Arizona University think it's a great place to raise their six children. Laura and her family enjoy camping on beautiful Mt. Graham, reading, and learning history together. At the end of the day, Laura loves to curl up with a good book or write one of her own. The Matchup is her second novel. Q&A with the Author1. What inspired your book? The Matchup is the continuation of the Logan family’s story from Pierced by Love but it can also be read on its own. I wanted to figure out why Gage, Pierce’s younger brother, struggled with his faith. And then I discovered the perfect match for him in Valerie and immediately knew that her struggle with single-handedly raising an autistic son needed to be told as well. 2. What kind of music do you listen to while you write? My “music” is either complete silence or my kids’ favorite TV programs in the background. The last thing Valerie wants is to work for Gage Logan. But Valerie's husband walked out on her and her children. Now she needs a job. Gage, on the other hand, has just taken custody of his four-year-old son and is swamped trying to balance his career, be a daddy, and fix past mistakes. Together they discover that when it comes to their faith and each other, it's all about second chances. Authors Top Ten List1. I am somewhat ambidextrous – I write, use utensils, and lead music with my left hand but use scissors, catch a softball, and bat with my right. 2. My favorite all-time movie is The Sound of Music. I watched it so many times as a child that my brothers now refuse to allow their wives to watch it. 3. I met my husband while planning an outing to the Grand Canyon. We talked like old friends for hours while hiking the upper rim. I immediately knew he was the guy for me! 4. I graduated from Northern Arizona University the day after we got married. 5. I like to sew quilts for my kids. 6. I’m a fairly good cook, although I didn’t acquire this particular skill until after I married. I make a mean oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. 7. Of my six children, only one looks like me and has my blue eyes. She also fits in the same birth order as I do with my siblings. 8. A year ago, my heart’s left ventricle was only working at 18% capacity. Now, it’s back to normal range (which is 60%). Doctors are calling me a miracle and I know they’re right. 9. My favorite color is red. 10. I once found a baby Gila monster in my garage. Good thing it didn’t stay! To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page
About the BookIs she part of the solution…or the problem? It could be a terrorist threat. Or is it some other sinister plot? An unprecedented rash of security breaches at San Diego's international airport is putting passengers at risk and bringing the competence of the airport's chief of security, Ariana Atkins, into question. With explosives the weapon of choice, police K-9 unit captain Logan O'Connor and his bomb detection dog, Boomer, might be Ariana's best, if not only, line of defense. Logan is certain his belief in Ariana, and his growing love for her, aren't misplaced…but it wouldn't be the first time he's misjudged someone's intentions. About the AuthorKate James spent eight years of her childhood living in foreign countries as her professional parents travelled on business. She lived in four countries and spoke five languages before settling down in Canada again to attend university. After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, she held a variety of positions in the field of real estate development and operations, and ran three substantial organizations. While her writing during this period was mostly business related, including presentations and speeches she delivered both nationally and internationally, her passion is and always has been fiction. Kate's business and personal experiences enable her to write fiction with a deep, often first-hand knowledge of what she is writing about. This approach makes Kate's stories richer and more vivid. Kate’s goal is to entertain you with well-written, engaging stories, set in intriguing places and with strong, likeable characters. “I hope my stories bring you pleasure and entertain you. Nothing pleases me more than receiving feedback from people who have chosen to spend their valuable leisure time with one of my books,” notes Kate. Kate married her husband, Ken, in an elegant, ocean-front wedding on a tropical island. When they are not traveling, they split their time between their properties in southern and central Ontario in Canada. ReviewFilled with suspense, mystery, and of course romance, the third book in Kate James’ K-9 Trilogy, When I Found You, is a hit among readers! It has just the right combination of mystery and romance for me and I love it! From page one, this fast paced, airport themed novel, will capture the attention of readers with the many twists and turns involving the security breaches at the San Diego International Airport and the sweet romance between Logan and Ariana. I would recommend this novel to readers of Kate’s other K-9 Trilogy novels, as well as to those that enjoy contemporary, mystery-romance novels. Series: K-9 Trilogy Genre: contemporary, romance, mystery, thriller Publisher: Harlequin Publication date: July 1, 2016 Number of pages: 365 Content Rating: PG, bombs, violence Book Rating: 5 stars Other books in the series:
1-When the Right One Comes Along 2-When Love Matters Most A review copy of this book was provided by the author, Kate James. Rachelle is the award-winning author of ten books, including The Soldier’s Bride (A Kindle Scout Selection), Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things, Veils and Vengeance, and Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology. Her novella, “Silver Cascade Secrets,” was included in the Rone Award–winning Timeless Romance Anthology, Fall Collection. Rachelle loves laughing with her husband while raising five children and dozens of chickens on a little farm in rural Idaho. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. Q&A with the Author:1. What inspired your book? My book was inspired by several different real news events that I had heard and a healthy dose of my own over-active imagination. And it’s inspired by the beautiful state of Idaho! 2. How do you spend your free time? I love to read whenever I can find a spare minute. I also enjoy gardening and taking care of our flock of nearly 100 chickens. Connect with the Author here: ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Amazon ~ ~ VIP Mailing list ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads Love can be a very dangerous thing. At least it seems that way to Adri Pyper, the premier wedding planner in Sun Valley, Idaho. When one of her clients dies mysteriously, Adri takes the advice of the local detective and swears she will stay out of the investigation . . . this time. Luke Stetson's involvement in the case, along with the possibility of a kiss between the two, should be enough incentive to keep Adri out of trouble. But when a dog-themed wedding is almost ruined by a suspect, Adri and her assistant, Lorea, are thrust into private eye mode. When poison enters the picture, even a reluctant sleuth can’t steer clear of danger. Author Top Ten List1. I learned how to incubate chickens last year and it’s one of the coolest things ever to witness those little cheepers being born. 2. I love extra dark chocolate, like 85% dark. 3. I learned how to oil paint last year and I’m fascinated by this art form. 4. My favorite flower is a hyacinth 5. I enjoy playing the piano, singing, and writing songs. 6. My favorite children’s book is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo 7. I graduated valedictorian from my high school with a full scholarship to Utah State University. Go Aggies! 8. I hate doing the dishes. 9. I like to crochet, sew, and quilt, but I usually spend my time writing nowadays. 10. I grew up on a farm in Idaho where I moved lots of pipe, hoed weeds, rogued grain, chopped giant bull thistles with a machete, and swam in the Snake river. To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page.
About the BookRomulus White has tried for years to hire illustrator Stella West for his renowned scientific magazine. She is the missing piece he needs to propel his magazine to the forefront of the industry. But Stella abruptly quit the art world and moved to Boston with a single purpose: to solve the mysterious death of her beloved sister. Romulus, a man with connections to high society and every important power circle in the city, could be her most valuable ally. Sparks fly the instant Stella and Romulus join forces, and Romulus soon realizes the strong-willed and charismatic Stella could disrupt his hard-won independence. Can they continue to help each other when their efforts draw the wrong kind of attention from the powers-that-be and put all they've worked for at risk? About the AuthorElizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida. ReviewElizabeth Camden has written a historical, mystery-romance novel that readers will thoroughly enjoy from page one. With complex characters and an intriguing storyline, readers will not want to put this intense suspenseful novel down! I love how the story was written from the perspective of both Romulus White, owner of a scientific magazine, and Stella West, an illustrator, bringing to life a wonderful and exciting story and romance! I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy Elizabeth’s other novels, as well as those that enjoy historical, mystery, romance novels! Genre: historical, romance, mystery, Victorian, Christian Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: June 7, 2016 Number of pages: 350 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars A review copy of this book was provided by Bethany House.
Marguerite Martin Gray enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and readers, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Recently, she received a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. She has two grown children and currently lives with her husband and Cleo, her cat, in Abilene, Texas.
Check out the interview with the authore HERE.
Where do your characters come from? Do you draw on real life? Do you create character profiles?
In my Revolutionary Faith series, the hero and heroine are based on real historical people, actually my great-great…grandparents. In my historical fiction I use other historical characters to ground the story in a factual historical situation. For example, in Hold Me Close Christopher Gadsden is the founder of the Sons of Liberty, a resident of Charles Town, and a big player in decisions about the Revolution. Robert Cochran is a ship captain, one of the first members of the navy, and Elizabeth’s brother-in-law. Rev. Smith is the minister of St. Philip’s Church.
I do create character profiles before I start the actual writing after I have completed my research. This is the point where I plot out the novel and place the characters in their setting. I allow them to grow and change during the course of the story. I start with the basics with physical characteristics and follow with emotional and spiritual. The characters’ background and goals are added. I have the profiles ever-present on a board that I can see. I use pictures of costumes, hairstyles, food, furniture, homes to remind me of their lifestyle. Since my book is part of a series, I have to make sure the characters stay true to themselves throughout each book.
Louis Lestarjette is a Frenchman arriving in Charles Town in 1772. He’s a twenty-eight- year old merchant who has decided to separate from his family after a disagreement with his older brother. He’s interested in making a profit in the New World. Other than business, he has no commitments, plans, or purpose. He comes from a Huguenot background that caused his family to lose their land and title. He is disillusioned with religion and politics. A former love relationship where his almost fiancée chose a titled man over him left Louis turned off to marriage. What he finds in Charles Town challenges all of his doubts and draws him into a world on the very of revolution. He finds decisions have to be made in all areas. His journey could lead him to love, God, and a new sense of purpose.
Elizabeth Elliott is the daughter of a prominent British citizen. She is eighteen years old, teaches music, loves God, and enjoys life with her family. At first she is content with attending parties with her British officer friend. Her world is changing as her loyalties are challenged with the political battle between the Loyalists and the new Patriots. Obedience and optimism morph into independence and realism. Her innocent outlook is stretched as her mind accepts new possibilities.
From a young age, I was drawn to novels that take place during America’s Revolution. Marguerite Martin Gray’s story was yet another book of intrigue and did not disappoint. A beautiful, fun, and historically vibrant American Revolutionary tale, Marguerite has brought to life the story of a French-man that came to America, but wants to stay neutral in the battle of the Loyalists and the Patriots; but eventually he will have to take a stand if he plans to stay in this land. But not only has Marguerite researched and written an excellent historical fiction novel, it has a delightful and unlikely friendship and romance story as well. From page one readers will love the characters and the story. I would recommend this novel to lovers of inspirational, romance, and historical fiction.
Series: Revolutionary Faith Genre: historical fiction, romance, inspirational, Christian Publisher: WestBow Press Publication date: December 28, 2015 Number of pages: 260 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars
Other books in the series:
2-Surround Me (release date TBD) A review copy of this book was provided by the author via SLB Tours.
July 4--Reading Is My SuperPower
July 5--Katie's Clean Book Collection July 6--Christy's Cozy Corners July 7-- July 8--Mel's Shelves July 9--Just Commonly July 11--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance July 12-- July 13-- July 14--Henry Happens July 15--Red Headed Book Lady July 16--Singing Librarian Books First Line Fridays -- 07.15.16
7/15/2016
It is Friday and I am joining Carrie from Reading is My SuperPower, Rachel from Bookworm Mama, and Beth from Faithfully Bookish in First Line Fridays. If you would like to join us, send Carrie a meassage and let her know! Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line! Let's shake it up a little. Today I am going to pull a first line from a young adult fairytale, science fiction fantasy book, I'm Not Cinderella by Tarrah Montgomery. This is book #1 in the Princess Chronicles Series. This is such a fun and exciting fairytale story! You can check out my review HERE and an interview with the author HERE. Add this book to GOODREADS or order from AMAZON--KINDLE & Print (currently not available on Amazon, but can be found it at your local Seagull Book or Deseret Book). "Once upon a time in a land not so far away, a nobleman lived happily in Idaho with his charming wife and their two young daughters. But no sooner had the oldest daughter turned three than the nobleman left his family. The small family suffered the sad consequences of extinguished love."
Just had to put the first entire paragraph. What are you reading? What is your first line (or first paragraph)? Open the book nearest you and post the first line... About the BookAn epic novel exposing the ugliness of war and the beauty of hope The city of Kiev was bombed in Hitler’s blitzkrieg across the Soviet Union, but the constant siege was only the beginning for her citizens. In this sweeping historical saga, Kelli Stuart takes the reader on a captivating journey into the little—known history of Ukraine’s tragedies through the eyes of four compelling characters who experience the same story from different perspectives. Maria Ivanovna is only fourteen when the bombing begins and not much older when she is forced into work at a German labor camp. She must fight to survive and to make her way back to her beloved Ukraine. Ivan Kyrilovich is falsely mistaken for a Jew and lined up with 34,000 other men, women, and children who are to be shot at the edge of Babi Yar, the “killing ditch.” He survives, but not without devastating consequences. Luda is sixteen when German soldiers rape her. Now pregnant with the child of the enemy, she is abandoned by her father, alone, and in pain. She must learn to trust family and friends again and find her own strength in order to discover the redemption that awaits. Frederick Hermann is sure in his knowledge that the Führer’s plans for domination are right and just. He is driven to succeed by a desire to please a demanding father and by his own blind faith in the ideals of Nazism. Based on true stories gathered from fifteen years of research and interviews with Ukrainian World War II survivors, Like a River from Its Course is a story of love, war, heartache, forgiveness, and redemption. About the AuthorKelli Stuart is the coauthor of Dare 2B Wise and has written for several brands including Disney, American Girl, and Short Fiction Break. She has served as editor-in-chief for the St. Louis Bloggers Guild and as a board member for the St. Louis Women in Media. In addition to her writing, Kelli has spent twenty years studying Ukranian culture. Kelli lives in Florida. GiveawayCelebrate the release of Like a River from Its Course with Kelli by entering to win a Kindle Fire Prize Pack. One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 18th. The winner will be announced July 19th on Kelli’s blog.
About the Book
After a medical discharge from his duties in the Napoleonic War, Thomas Quincy Fitzbatten has returned home. Disoriented, burdened by guilt for his wealth, and disillusioned with life's injustices, Thomas longs for a chance to make a difference in the world. But he keeps himself a mystery to those around him, and another motive for his charity gnaws at the back of his mind: to seek redemption from the traumatic demons of war.
Then everything changes at the arrival of Ruth Dawson, the niece of Thomas's butler, a stunning woman with a secret of her own. Thomas graciously offers to assist Ruth in her predicament, but a surprise instinct prompts Thomas to handle the case a little more personally—through marriage. As their love blossoms, it appears that all will be well—until Thomas receives a mysterious letter from an old friend in trouble, compelling him to the rescue. But what will Thomas do when nothing is as it seems? And why can't Ruth shake the feeling that her destiny is intertwined with Thomas's in a way they could never have imagined? About the Author
Anita Stansfield has more than fifty published books and is the recipient of many awards, including two lifetime achievement awards. Her books go far beyond bein an enjoyable, memorable story. Anita resonates particularly well with a broad range of devoted readers because of her sensitive and insightful examination of contemporary issues that are faced by many of those readers, even when her venue is a historical romance, readers come away from her compelling stories equipped with new ideas about how to enrich their own lives, regardless of their circumstances.
Anita was born and raised in Provo, Utah. She is the mother of five and has a growing number of grandchildren. She also writes for the general trade market under the name Elizabeth D. Michaels. Review
I have always loved Anita Stansfield’s stories and The Heir of Brownlie Manor is no different. Anita has written a delightfully fun and sweet romantic regency novel that readers will love. Anita brings her characters to life as they deal with overcoming personal trials. I loved seeing the development in the unlikely relationship of friendship and eventually love between Thomas and Ruth throughout the novel. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy Anita’s previous novels as well as those that enjoy regency romance.
Genre: historical, regency Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: July 1, 2016 Number of pages: 288 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications.
GiveawayTour Schedule
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