Celebrate Lit Presents: Epic Book Launch Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward Authors: Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer

 

Book: Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward

Authors: Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer

Genre: Non-fiction; Interpersonal Relations; Religion

Release date: April 13, 2023

WHY AM I SO MISUNDERSTOOD? I am only trying to do what is right! Of course, I forgive, but I can’t seem to get past the pain. God seems distant. Does he even care about me?

Do any of these questions hit close to home? It may surprise you that the underlying cause is often hidden unforgiveness. Our closest relationships, emotional health, and perhaps even our faith seem to be crumbling around us, but most of us have no idea that forgiveness is the way forward. If we are honest, we don’t even know what forgiveness is. We may have a vague idea that it has something to do with “forgetting” or “letting go” but would be hard-pressed to come up with a working definition. Worse yet, we have no idea how to practice forgiveness in a way that brings lasting relief from the hurt we carry. Most of us are not trying to hang on to the pain, but freedom is elusive.

Freedom from your pain is within reach! Forgiveness is not a vague, esoteric concept, nor is it a lofty, out-of-reach ideal. Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward digs into the biblical definition of forgiveness, tells real stories of real people who have found healing, clears up some huge misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, and teaches us how to practice forgiveness. If we do not address the wounds of our past, they will shape our future. God has provided a powerful tool to help us find freedom—forgiveness is the surprising way forward!

 

Excerpt:

Don’t get me wrong, Jesus’ stories are shockingly brilliant. But when I am honest with myself, when I actually step out of the I-am-a-mature-Christian-so-I-should-understand-this mindset, I admit that Jesus’ stories sometimes leave me perplexed. The disciples themselves, who spent nearly every day with Jesus for three years, often seemed to walk away a bit confused. Have you noticed? (Check out Luke 18:34, John 12:16, and Mark 4:10, 13) When I read these verses, I imagine a disciple said something like, “OK, Jesus, now what exactly did you mean by that story?”

The story of the unforgiving servant is no exception. We don’t know the reason, but the man in Jesus’ story owed an absurd amount of money to the king. The interest on his debt kept piling up, and the servant couldn’t possibly even make the minimum payments. Now, the king was calling in the entire debt, and it was time to pay up. The servant’s whole life and family were being liquidated for cash. There was no filing for bankruptcy; a life of slavery awaited him. 

 

About The Authors

 Mark Henderson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Michael Snuffer

 

Don’t get me wrong, Jesus’ stories are shockingly brilliant. But when I am honest with myself, when I actually step out of the I-am-a-mature-Christian-so-I-should-understand-this mindset, I admit that Jesus’ stories sometimes leave me perplexed. The disciples themselves, who spent nearly every day with Jesus for three years, often seemed to walk away a bit confused. Have you noticed? (Check out Luke 18:34, John 12:16, and Mark 4:10, 13) When I read these verses, I imagine a disciple said something like, “OK, Jesus, now what exactly did you mean by that story?”

The story of the unforgiving servant is no exception. We don’t know the reason, but the man in Jesus’ story owed an absurd amount of money to the king. The interest on his debt kept piling up, and the servant couldn’t possibly even make the minimum payments. Now, the king was calling in the entire debt, and it was time to pay up. The servant’s whole life and family were being liquidated for cash. There was no filing for bankruptcy; a life of slavery awaited him.

Celebrate Lit Presents: Iron Author: Madisyn Carlin

 

About the Book

Book: Iron

Author: Madisyn Carlin

Genre: Christian Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling

Release date: September 30, 2022

Enforcing justice comes with a price.

Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan will stop at nothing to uncover those behind the ruthless kidnappings of multiple children. But things are not as they seem, and Red’s efforts are thwarted at every turn. With each discovery the danger grows, putting Red and the lives of those she cares about at risk. Can she reveal the mastermind’s identity before she herself becomes a target?

IRON is a Christian, New Adult, Fantasy Fairytale Retelling

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

 

More from Madisyn

There are many original Cinderella stories, from all cultures and languages. Perhaps the two most common tales, however, are Frenchman Charles Perrault’s (also called Cendrillon) and the German Brothers Grimm’s Aschenputtel. The majority of these originals, and Brothers Grimm’s in particular, are not the sparkles-and-magic versions we are more familiar with. They are darker, bloodier, and deadlier, though they still possess an amazing display of creativity and storytelling.

 

The iconic, classical Disney retelling drew from Perrault’s version. I based IRON off a blend of Aschenputtel and Perrault’s, with very little influence garnered from Disney’s. Although I wanted it to be obvious IRON is a fairy tale retelling, I also wanted to put an often-unfound spin on it, which is where Redwyn and her occupation shine through. In addition, I am a firm believer there is no such thing as ”love at first sight”, also called ”insta love”, which is quite common in many fairy tales and retellings.

 

Instead, I wanted to present a nonmagical retelling based on faith, family, and bravery. Perhaps that is why this story turned out rawer and much more touching than I ever imagined. Within the pages of this book loyalty drives characters to step outside their comfortable boundaries and preferences, desperation reminds them why they need God, and bravery takes root even in those who thought themselves hopeless cowards.

 

Heavy faith elements, feathers, cranky horses, wolves, sinister plots, a creepy forest, and more take this story beyond the typical plot found in Cinderella retellings. There’s also humor, sarcasm, and a feisty detective who can’t quite grasp the concept of tactfulness.

 

So, if you enjoy fairy tale retellings with a plentitude of faith, humor, and action, IRON might be the book for you.

 

You can find IRON’s inspiration board here.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 26

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 27

Lily’s Book Reviews, March 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 31

Blogging With Carol, April 1

For Him and My Family, April 2

Mary Hake, April 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 3

Pause for Tales, April 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Madisyn is giving away the grand prize package of one signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.co

Celebrate Lit Presents: Sylvia’s Mother Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

 

About the Book

Book: Sylvia’s Mother

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 26, 2023

She’s an overprotective single mother…

…He’s a former protector who can’t give up the role.

But who will guard their hearts from scheming high school matchmakers?

Eileen Avery is determined her daughter Sylvia won’t experience the heartaches she did. Even if it means taking parenting lessons from her mother, the dragon lady. But she is not like her mother. Not even remotely.

If only Sylvia could see that.

But she wants independence. How much is a good thing? And how much is too risky?

Besides, Sylvia is in love and needing a little freedom. It’s not like she’s about to run away to a commune and become a hippy. However, she is willing to try about anything to get her mom to loosen up, even play matchmaker. Maybe if her mother had her own love life, she’d quite trying to put Sylvia’s under a microscope.

But will it all blow up in her face?

Seth Matthews thought he’d said goodbye to Kokomo until an on-the-job injury with the FBI changed his plans. This town holds more than his family, and those memories had better stay buried for all concerned. But how was he to put his honed instincts on the back burner and stop safeguarding the ones closest to him?

He was willing to help his family with almost anything. But pretending interest in some woman to help with his nephew’s romantic endeavors? That was one thing he couldn’t see himself doing.

Until he realizes there was more than coincidence at play.

Forget about Women’s Lib. Return to 1972 Kokomo, Indiana for the second installment of The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series—Sylvia’s Mother—and the fight for personal independence. Join Sylvia, her mother, Eileen, and the kooky mix ups that all point to romance in this small town romp. If you enjoyed the Weather Girls and Judy in Disguise, then this book is a must read.

You will love Sylvia’s Mother, inspired by the pop 1960s song by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, because everyone dreams of a second chance with a first love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty plus years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Sylvia’s Mother is the second book of her spin-off series The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

 

More from Jennifer

Do you remember your high school prom? The one in Sylvia’s Mother is based on an actual prom—the Stardust Ball at Kokomo High School. I didn’t attend it—I’d gone to the Autumn Prom, but not the Stardust Ball in 1972, so I had to contact fellow classmates to get the scoop.

The date in the book is actually when it really occurred. And there are a couple other real events and personalities added to this otherwise fictional dance. It was fun to have friends tell me of their memories and to find out what some of the nominees were doing now.

Something else I learned that made me want to write this story. I had been researching and found an old interview by Chuck Buell who used to be a disc jockey for WLS in Chicago. I’d always liked him so when I ran across the interview, I wasn’t too worried about getting anything specific—it was pretty much a stroll down memory lane.

And then he told a story about meeting up with Dr. Hook. They were hanging out in Monterey, California on the good doctor’s houseboat when he offered to introduce Chuck to the guy who wrote the lyrics for “Cover of the Rolling Stone.” Turns out the guy lived a couple boats down the marina, so they walked over and Chuck Buell met Shel Silverstein for the first time.

Yep, the man who wrote The Giving Tree and those childhood collections of poetry—Light in the Attic, Falling Up, and Runny Babbit—got his start writing rock and roll lyrics. Among them are “Cover of the Rolling Stone,” “A Boy Named Sue,” and “Sylvia’s Mother.” And once I learned that, I couldn’t help hearing his style (“voice”) in the songs since I had taught from his books in my elementary classrooms for many years. The thought made me smile and I had to write a story from one of those. “Sylvia’s Mother” fit the plan for my new series, so I borrowed the title.

I hope you will enjoy the story, even if you’ve never heard the song. But if you do know that old pop hit, I think you will enjoy a couple Easter egg surprises I hid along the way.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

Texas Book-aholic, March 18

By The Book, March 19 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, March 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 21

Sylvan Musings, March 22 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 23

Connie’s History Classroom, March 24

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26

Blogging With Carol, March 27

Pause for Tales, March 28

For Him and My Family, March 29

Beauty in the Binding, March 30 (Author Interview)

Books I’ve Read, March 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon card and an eBook 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/24dbe/sylvia-s-mother-celebration-tour-giveaway

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: A Flicker of a Doubt (A Fairy Garden Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber

 

A Flicker of a Doubt (A Fairy Garden Mystery)
by Daryl Wood Gerber

About A Flicker of a Doubt 

A Flicker of a Doubt (A Fairy Garden Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4^th in Series
Setting – California
Kensington Cozies (March 28, 2023)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496741277
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496741271
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B6DBQ5CM

Fairies are trending hard, especially when it comes to fairy garden décor in Walmart and Target and on Amazon. The latest installment in the nationally bestselling Daryl Wood Gerber’s Fairy Garden mysteries is a perfect read for Laura Childs readers and all fans of whimsy and charm.

 

With a theater foundation tea and an art show planned at Violet Vickers’s estate, Courtney is hired to create charming fairy gardens for the event. It’s not so charming, however, when her best friend Meaghan’s ex-boyfriend turns out to be Violet’s latest artistic protégé. Even worse, not long after Meaghan locks horns with him, his body is found in her yard, bludgeoned with an objet d’murder.

 

There’s a gallery of suspects, from an unstable former flame to an arts and crafts teacher with a sketchy past. But when the cops focus on Meaghan’s business partner, who’s like a protective older brother to her, and discover he also has a secret financial motive, Courtney decides to draw her own conclusions. Fearing they’re missing the forest for the trees, and with some help from Fiona the sleuthing fairy, she hopes to make them see the light . . .

About Daryl Wood Gerber

Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber is best known for her nationally bestselling Fairy Garden Mysteries, Cookbook Nook Mysteries, and French Bistro Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes the Aspen Adams Novels of Suspense as well as stand-alone suspense. Daryl loves to cook, fairy garden, and read. She has a frisky Goldendoodle who keeps her in line. And she has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane and hitch-hike around Ireland alone. You can learn more on her website: httsp://darylwoodgerber.com

Author Links

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER    BOOKBUB      YOUTUBE    INSTAGRAM     PINTEREST     GOODREADS     AMAZON    NEWSLETTER

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop –

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 21 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 21 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 21 – The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 22 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

March 22 – Angel’s Guilty Pleasures – SPOTLIGHT

March 22 – I’m Into Books – SPOTLIGHT

March 22 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

March 23 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 23 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, RECIPE

March 23 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW

March 24 – Books to the Ceiling – SPOTLIGHT & PODCAST

March 24 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 24 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

March 24 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

March 24 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

March 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 25 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 25 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

March 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

March 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

March 26 – Jane Reads – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 26 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 27 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

March 27 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 27 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

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Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Earth's the Right Place for Love by Elizabeth Berg

 

This beautiful new novel by the beloved author of Open House and Talk Before Sleep tells the story of two young people growing up in Mason, Missouri, and how Arthur Moses, a shy young man, becomes the wise and compassionate person readers loved in The Story of Arthur Truluv.

Nola McCollum is the most desirable girl in Arthur’s class, and he is thrilled when they become friends. But Arthur wants far more than friendship. Unfortunately, Nola has a crush on the wrong Moses—Arthur’s older brother, Frank, who is busy pursuing his own love interest and avoiding the boys’ father, a war veteran with a drinking problem and a penchant for starting fights. When a sudden tragedy rocks the family’s world, Arthur struggles to come to terms with his grief. In the end, it is nature that helps him to understand how to go on, beyond loss, and create a life of forgiveness and empathy. But what can he do about Nola, who seems confused about what she wants in life, and only half aware of the one who loves her most?

Full of unforgettable characters and written with Elizabeth Berg’s characteristic warmth, humor, and insight into people, Earth’s the Right Place for Love is about the power of kindness, character, and family, and how love can grow when you least expect it.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

Elizabeth Berg is the author of eighteen novels and has more than 1.5 million books in print. Her novel, OPEN HOUSE, was an Oprah’s Book Club selection in 2000. Berg lives near Chicago, Illinois. Visit her at www.elizabeth-berg.net

 

My Review

 A story that takes place in small town Mason, Missouri, when America is getting back on its feet in the aftermath of WWII. Arthur Moses is a young sixteen year old high school student as we begin, and in a way is living in a dysfunctional family.
There is a bond between the brothers, Frank being the oldest, is full of advice to the younger brother. I loved how young Arthur embraced what his brother told him. Especially, when it comes to dating and courting.
For Arthur there is one girl, and one girl only he is interested in Nola, and we journey with him down life's roads. There is some sweet romance, broken hearts, and new beginnings, and a page turner for answers!
A book that will linger with you long after the last page is turned.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Random House, and was not required to give a positive review.

After the Shadows (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #1) by Amanda Cabot

 

Emily Leland sheds no tears when her abusive husband is killed in a bar fight, but what awaits her back home in Sweetwater Crossing is far from the welcome and comfort she expected. First she discovers her father has died under mysterious circumstances. Then the house where the new schoolteacher and his son are supposed to board burns, leaving them homeless. When Emily proposes turning the family home into a boardinghouse, her sister is so incensed that she leaves town.

Alone and broke, her family name sullied by controversy, Emily is determined to solve the mystery of her father's death--and to aid Craig Ferguson, despite her fears of men. The widowed schoolmaster proves to be a devoted father, an innovative teacher, and an unexpected ally. Together they must work to unmask a killer and escape the shadows of their own pasts in order to forge a brighter future.

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot transports you to 1880s Texas Hill Country for a brand-new series that will have you flipping pages to solve the mystery and get to the happily-ever-after you long for.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled "All About Thermometers," were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she's sold more than forty novels. When she's not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and - of course - reading.

Website 

 

My Review

 What an arrival home Emily receives, she is at the home she has known most of her life, but as she arrives she learns things will never be the same. We are in Sweetwater Crossings Texas, a quaint town, but is it a safe town? Emily arrives to find herself an orphan, an adult, but now both parents are gone, one of her sisters is in Europe and the other is gone within a few days of her arrival.

The author gives us a sweet caring young woman who has suffered more than she should have, and is now a widow, but she is safe.

Enter the new school teacher with a sweet two year old, and we hope that something will happen between these two people who have both lost their spouses, time will tell, as will page turning!

This is the beginning of a new series by an author I love, and was surely not disappointed! Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!

I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter

 

When novelist Sadie Goodwin is forced to stop writing westerns and charged with penning a contemporary romance novel to rescue her lackluster sales, there’s only one tiny problem: She’s never been in love.

Desperate to salvage her career, Sadie begins devouring romance novels. Knowing she must devote herself to this confounding genre, she accepts an invitation to hole up at her friend’s beach duplex for the summer. Where better to witness love in bloom than on the beautiful North Carolina shore?

However, once ensconced in the charming ocean-front home with her sweet maltipoo Rio, she finds many ways to procrastinate. First there’s the beach, right outside her backdoor, with all its interesting visitors (research). Then there’s the free library she decides to build and set up by the back deck (She has to do something with all those romance novels). To say nothing of Sam Ford, the grumpy neighbor on the other side of the duplex . . . who she can’t seem to stop annoying.

A social butterfly by nature, Sadie soon gets to know all the beach regulars—sunbathers, walkers, and surfers alike. The free books draw a crowd right up to the house for nice little book chats, which further irritates her reclusive neighbor, to break up her “writing.” But things take an unexpected turn when Sadie opens a recently-placed novel to find a secret compartment—and tucked inside is a beautiful engagement ring. To whom does the ring belong? Sadie is convinced she needs to find the owner and save the man’s proposal from certain doom.

She draws a reluctant Sam into the project, and slowly their connection begins to develop. Are these weird fluttery feelings the first stirrings of love? Has Sadie managed to stumble upon the very subject about which she must write—and wouldn’t Sam make the perfect alpha hero?

Will Sadie find the ring’s rightful owner? And will she manage to pen a career-saving romance novel by summer’s end?

Amazon

 

About The Author

 

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than forty novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 Club and been featured in Southern Living and Woman's World.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling, drinking chai lattes, hiking, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband raised three boys and are currently enjoying an empty nest and two beautiful granddaughters.

You can learn more about Denise through her website www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or by visiting her FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter

 

My Review

 I love this author, the words flew off the page, and I wanted more!

We meet a man who it seems has suffered the ultimate betrayal, and Sam who is healing his wounds has rented part of a duplex on the beach in South Carolina. His peace and quiet are now in for a rude awaking when Sadie arrives. She is all in a dither, what is she going to do, when a dear friends mother gives her the use of part of a duplex for the summer. You guessed it! Sadie now is residing next to Sam.

This turns into a sweet romance, but there are obstacles and we journey with this couple, or should I say neighbors.

Pretty soon these neighbors are focusing on an engagement ring, and the journey to find the owner, well, it is not what you expect, and how this all ends up quickly became a page turner!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.