Thursday, September 27, 2018

Celebrate Lit Presents: Priscilla's Escape by Diane Carver

About the Book

Book Title: Priscilla’s Escape
Author: Diane Craver
Genre: Amish Romance, Contemporary
Release date: March 23, 2018
When faith and freedom collide, mistakes made in the past may decide the future.
Twenty-year-old Priscilla King is unsure about joining the Amish Church and wants to use her rumspringa freedom to paint beach landscapes. She’s been offered a two-month-long nanny position in Siesta Key, Florida by an author on a tight writing deadline. The opportunities presented are more than a little tempting for Priscilla, even if it means disappointing her parents and leaving her new boyfriend.
Stephen Hertzler grew up in an Amish family, but, like Priscilla, he’s undecided about joining the church. He loves Priscilla and wants to marry her, though he knows she’s not ready to decide about anything other than her summer plans. His biggest worry is that she’ll meet someone else in Florida and forget him.
When Priscilla’s parents sabotage her part-time job at a local fabric store to dissuade her from following a “worldly lifestyle” in taking the nanny position in Florida, Priscilla is distraught. She knows she would regret not taking this chance. Leaving a note, she sneaks out in disobedience of her parents’ wishes.
Free to paint, dreams she’s never fully envisioned before seem within reach…but at what price?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Diane grew up on a farm outside Findlay, Ohio, and she often acted out characters from her own stories in the backyard. In high school Diane would read during classes and hide a novel in front of her in a propped-up textbook. After her high school graduation, she attended Ohio State University. Then Diane became a schoolteacher and play director. She met her husband while teaching at an orphanage, and they married three years later. It took her that long to convince him she was the one for him! While raising their family in southwestern Ohio, Diane started writing nonfiction and was published. Later she decided it would be a nice escape to write fiction. Diane was blessed with five daughters and one son. Two daughters were born with Down syndrome and live with Diane and her husband. Their other children live close by in Ohio so that’s wonderful. They also have four precious grandchildren. Diane published through a variety of houses. Several years ago, she decided to self-publish her books, so requested the rights back to her previously published stories. From the beginning, she enjoyed self-publishing her Amish romances. Diane gives thanks to God daily for her many blessings.

Guest Post from Diane

Hello, Reader Friends,

Priscilla’s Escape is Book 3 in The Bishop’s Daughters Series. This story features Priscilla King, and she is the fourth child born to Amos and Lillian King. You may remember meeting Priscilla in my Dreams of Plain Daughters Series. After I finished writing this series, I decided to continue to write about the Amish and English characters living in Fields Corner, Ohio. They became family and real to me.
The King family have six children with only one son. That is like our Craver family because we have five daughters and one son. Through the years, our family has faced certain challenges with two daughters being born with Down syndrome. Although Priscilla doesn’t have any siblings with special needs, she feels overlooked in her family. It’s like she’s invisible to her parents, especially to her father. He doesn’t understand her passion for painting but favors Molly’s talent for quilting. Everyone needs a cheerleader in their corner at times, and Priscilla is no different. Fortunately, her new boyfriend, Stephen, listens to her dream to paint beach pictures. He even understands her desire to wait to join the church.
All families suffer some type of hardships. It does seem like some more than others. A family’s faith in God gives them hope in their daily lives. Whatever the level of the pain, staying close to God and listening to his voice, gives us the strength to survive. The King family have their share of tragedies, but their faith reminds steadfast. When Priscilla leaves their close-knit unit, they all reach out to her by letter and phone calls. Her siblings even tell their father that he needs to share his secret with Priscilla.
I hope you will enjoy reading Priscilla’s Escape. There is a lot happening in the King family, so you can catch up with your favorite romantic couples in this novel. If you love going to the beach as much as I do, I think you’ll love reading about Priscilla’s beach experiences – some are good, and others are not.

Blog Stops

The Becca Files, September 22

The Avid Reader, September 22

Vicky Sluiter, September 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 23

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 24

Mary Hake, September 24

God’s Little Bookworm, September 25

Splashes of Joy, September 25

Because I said so – adventures in Parenting, September 26

Inklings and notions, September 26

Maureen’s Musings, September 27

Luv’N Lambert Life, September 27

KarenSueHadley, September 28

Quiet Quilter, September 29

proud to be an autism mom, September 29

Bibliophile Reviews, September 30

Not Enough Time for Books, October 1

Carpe Diem, October 1

Blogging With Carol, October 2

A Baker’s Perspective, October 2

Texas Book-aholic, October 3

Janices book reviews, October 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 5

Bigreadersite, October 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Diane is giving a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon Gift Card & The Bishop’s Daughters: A Three Book Collection – Amish Baby Snatched, A Plain Widow, and Priscilla’s Escape (paperback or eBook)!!

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/d35a/priscilla-s-escape-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

While this is the third book in the series, and the first that I have read, I didn’t feel at all lost. There was a lot of information offered that brought me up to date, and I felt soon at home in this read.
The author gives us a young couple whom are both unsure whether to take a knee and join the Amish church.
We find them both doing things that their parents would disapprove of, and we soon wonder whether one or the other will end up joining the church, especially after tasting the English world.
Come and enjoy this book and see that all cultures parents and children clash at times, and then there are secrets that we get to see unfold.
Now I’m ready to go and read the first two books in this series.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to give a positive review.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

#FallingInLove – Author Jennifer Griffith – $25 Giveaway

My 90’s Boy Band Boyfriend by Jennifer Griffith
Teenage singer Oakley Marsden is having a rough week. Pop-star Hudson’s rough week is twenty-three years long
Sixteen-year-old Oakley just wants to win a spot on TV’s The Next Radio Star. But when her bad audition goes viral, going back to school is a nightmare.
Even more humiliating, she discovers her own mother was a boy band groupie. Cringe. And Mom still has a thing for a nineties boy band killed in the tragic plane crash twenty years ago.
When things can’t get worse, a strange beggar guy ends up carrying Oakley home—and Oakley’s mom loses her mind. She’s convinced he’s the long-dead popstar Hudson Oaks, frontman for Girl Crazy and Mom’s long-lost love.
And the guy isn’t denying it. Curse him.
Oakley has to save her mom from this impostor before Mom does something insane—and before Oakley starts falling for his charm too.

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Mom’s voice got that suppressed squealing quality again. “Don’t you know who that is?”
“Who who is?” Oakley refused to believe her mom knew the seventeen/forty-year-old currently in her master bathroom shower. “That guy? He’s probably a drug addict, Mom. Believe me, I see a lot more of them at high school than you see in kindergarten. They’re actually pretty easy to spot: lack of self-care, bad personal hygiene, general disorientation, smell of smoke.”
“Sweetheart.” Mom looked more serious than she had in days, and she grabbed both of Oakley’s hands again for emphasis. “That guy who is now showering in our house is Hudson Oaks.”
The housing development guy from the boy band two decades ago?
“Mom.” Oakley wondered how many times she was going to have to call her mom out today for making wildly ridiculous statements. It was climbing into the dozens category now. “I think you and I both know that’s impossible.”
“He sounds like him, walks like him, says his name is Hudson Oaks. All the reasons. Trust me, I’m probably the greatest living expert on Hudson Oaks besides the man himself.”
That guy in her shower couldn’t be more than seventeen, and therefore not, legally, a man. Her mom should stay right away from that jailbait. Weren’t school teachers specifically trained on stuff like this? Apparently Mom had shelved all that based on seeing a … what?
Oakley’s world shifted on sands she hadn’t even known she’d been standing on. This new version of her life contained a mom who might just run off with a minor.
“Did you look at him, Mom? He’s, like, a seventeen-year-old kid. This whole incident happened over two decades ago. Don’t tell me you can explain that.”
“Of course I can.”
Of course she could. Oakley swallowed all the acid-tinged words and asked, “How?”
“Obvious. Time travel.”
A tiny explosion detonated in Oakley’s brain, but before she could react, a soft knock came at Oakley’s door. Mom hadn’t heard it, too enthralled in her moment of brilliant discovery. But Oakley had.
She looked over.
There in the doorframe, lit from the hall light behind, stood a dripping wet, formerly dirty boy, clad in just a towel at his waist. His hair was combed, and he had a definite young Tom Cruise quality about him—dark hair, charming smile, and those shoulders. Great Gatsby, those shoulders! Oakley caught her breath and had to swallow hard. The way he held his mouth, like he expected every woman to want to kiss it, made a little muscle tremble at the back of Oakley’s stomach.
She immediately tightened the muscle to put a halt to that nonsense.

Loved it! Fun and witty and had enough twists to keep me guessing. The hero was totally swoony and I really identified with the heroine. It had a perfect ending! ~Donna H

Time for a blast from the past! I had a lot of fun reading this book. I loved all the references to 90s music and culture. I had some pretty good laughs every time I came across a reference from that time. ~Julie C

Fun, fun read! Between a time-traveling rock star who looks like Tom Cruise, finding out about her mother’s teenaged craziness, learning to give her stepfather the credit he deserves, and coming to terms with her own insecurities and talent, Oakley has a lot on her plate! Let the fun and games begin! ~Traci A

This brought back a lot of memories as I was a teen in the 80’s. I loved this story. Sweet read & definitely good for teens & pre-teens or adults looking for a clean, fun story with a little romance, a little mystery & feel good ending! ~Rose D

Author Jennifer Griffith

Jennifer Griffith writes light, sweet romances she calls Cotton Candy for the Soul. Her Legally in Love Collection stems from the fact she fell in love with a handsome law school student who now serves as a judge–as well as her muse. She also writes the Millionaire Makeover Romances, millionaires and makeovers being some things with which she has less experience.
Jennifer loves old cars, landscape paintings, fresh bread with raspberry jam, and reading. She lived in Japan during college, where she once ate a cricket on a dare. She also traveled through Europe, where she slept a night in a castle on the Rhine. Jennifer worked summers in a cookie factory, and she spent a few years working for the U.S. Congress before becoming a wife, a mom and an author.

Giveaway Details
Ends 10/12/18
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Worthy/Kids Ideals Presents: Very Veggie 5-Minute Stores

Perfect for an on-the-go storytime or a fast bedtime reading for sleepy kids, Very Veggie 5-Minute Stories brings fans a new collection of nine VeggieTales adventures. As the Veggie cast stumbles and sprints through hilarious scenarios, children will learn values such as being patient, being responsible, loving others, and doing their best. Full-color illustrations accompany the stories and will hold the attention of the read-to-me set. Full-color illustrations accompany the stories and will hold the attention of the read-to-me set.

Amazon

Age Range: 5 - 6 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 1
Series: VeggieTales
Hardcover: 176 pages

My Review

My boys always loved Veggie Tales, so now I was excited to share values we hold dear with my nieces.
You know you’re doing something right when you can see the attention in their eyes and your hearing precious giggles coming from them.
These are sweet and hilarious stories that take about five minutes each, of course with the littles it always takes a few more, but so worth it. In fact, we usually don’t stop at one.
A real treasure for their collection!

I received this book through Worthy/Kids Ideals and was not required to give a positive review

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

A Wells Landing Christmas by Amy Lillard

As the most joyous of seasons comes to the Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, one young woman gets a chance to start again--and rediscover the gift of true love . . .

Families rejoicing together, caroling parties full of cheer, and church get-togethers brimming with delicious cooking and warm fellowship. Ivy Weaver would give anything to be a part of Christmas in Wells Landing. But one reckless mistake made her an outsider, and it's all she can do now to tend to her ailing grandfather and make a living. She sure doesn't need Zeb Brenneman returning to help after he abandoned her for no reason. He's working hard to make amends, but Ivy isn't sure there's enough faith--or still-sparking love between them--to stir her forgiveness . . .

Zeb knows leaving Ivy was the biggest mistake he's ever made. Even though she won't hear him out, he's determined to prove he's become the trustworthy, steadfast man she truly deserves. But bright new chances and surprising revelations will give him and Ivy choices they never imagined. And finding their way back to each other will be the most
challenging--and precious--Christmas gift of all.

Amazon

About The Author

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

Website

My Review

We are back in Wells Landing and with some of the characters that we have come to love, and yes there are wonderful updates, but this is Ivy’s and Zeb’s story.
Can you go back to a relationship? Some of these individuals don’t really think so, and one of these characters has purposely wrecked their reputation, but why? Well, as we learn the facts here, and want to hug each of these individuals, and shove them together, but it doesn’t look like they will make it.
Enter a new hunk of a man, a man with a heart for God and his fellowman, but he is English, but will our girl forsake her beliefs and leave?
This story has so much going for it, you are going to love Ivy’s grandfather, and we hope he doesn’t end up killing himself, or letting a woman grab him.
Wow! Just a quick taste of what you are going to experience once you turn the covers of this book, and now I want more!

I received this book through Zebra Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

#FallingInLove – Author Kimberly Krey – $25 Giveaway

The Sheriff’s Bride by Kimberly Krey
Trent Lockheart might be the new sheriff in town, but he can’t stop Jessie Jean from stealing his heart.
Sheriff Trent Lockheart knew he’d be in for a challenge when he moved from the big city and a large police force to the small Wyoming town of Cobble Creek. But at least he’d be able to stick to his bachelor ways without temptation. So he thought. Cobble Creek isn’t overflowing with young, single ladies, but Jessie Jean—the gorgeous brunette who runs the Country Quilt Inn—proves more tempting than any woman he’s known.
Jessie doesn’t care much for the new sheriff in town. After an explosive first meeting that almost ends in Jessie’s arrest, she’s even more determined to plan on dinner for one for the rest of her life. Sure, the new sheriff is seriously attractive, and after a second, much less dangerous run-in, he might not be that bad, but Jessie has no plan to marry, date, or even let a man into her life. Still, as the days pass, Trent’s surprising charm works past Jessie’s determination, and she finds promise in their budding relationship.
After opening up about the difficulties in her past, Jessie finds that Trent is guarding a dark tragedy of his own, one that might threaten their chance at a future together.

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Of all the nerve! Who in their right mind would remove flyers for a fundraiser to help a single mother battling cancer? If Jessie came across this guy she’d let him have it. No doubt it was a guy; no woman had the heart to do such a thing.
She took her frustration out on the stapler, pounding three staples into each corner of the page. “There,” she hissed. “Take this one down. I dare ya.”
The deep sound of a man clearing his throat sounded behind her. “Who are you talking to, Miss?”
She spun around, surprised to see an unfamiliar officer standing there. Wait, maybe he was familiar after all. Those sunglasses looked a whole lot like the ones she’d caught sight of a moment ago. She hadn’t noticed the uniform, as distracted by she’d been. In those tinted glasses, with that thick, dark hair and chiseled features, he looked more like a Hollywood heartthrob than a …
The thought was lost as a shock of lime green caught her eye. Why were those papers in his hands? A gasp tore from her throat. “Are you the one ripping these down?”
The man flicked the stack with the back of his hand. “As a matter of fact,” he mumbled around a toothpick between his lips, “that’s exactly who I am.”
It was the perfect clash – the ugly admittance of what he’d done, and the attractive features of his face. Everything about him boasted manly perfection. His well-defined jaw showed hints of a five-o’clock shadow, the scruff also casing that perfectly sculpted mouth. The impressive span of his chest and shoulders said he was disciplined too; muscles like that didn’t happen overnight.
Jessie forced her mind back to the less-attractive parts of him. Mainly, the part that was trying to sabotage her upcoming event. She reached out to snatch the stack from his grip, but he yanked it from her reach, a wry smile pulling at his lips.
She gasped once more, visions of grade school coming to mind. Mean Milton playing keep away after swiping her backpack.
“You’re a bully,” she accused.
“No, ma’am, I’m just doing my duty.” The sunglasses made it hard to dissect just what was going through his head. In the reflection, Jessie saw a ticked-off version of herself, looking somewhat small from the lowered angle.
A hand went to her hip. She leaned on one foot. “Did you take even one teeny tiny second to read what’s on those flyers? Huh? Because if you did, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
“Ma’am, I don’t care if you’re having a yard sale or warning the town that a UFO landed in your backyard. What you’re doing is illegal.”
Fire roared in her chest. “Who are you?”
The officer slowly lifted a hand, took hold of the sunglasses he wore, and pulled them off his face. Their eyes locked as he moved the toothpick from one corner of his lips to the next. “I’m the new sheriff in town.”

“One of the best books I’ve read… there were parts where I cried, laughed and cheered at the happily ever after.” Ginny LaMere
“…a sweet but rowdy romance with charming characters, a heartwarming story, and breathtaking moments too.” Kindle Customer 3

Author Kimberly Krey
Kimberly has always been a fan of good, clean romance, so she decided to specialize in writing ‘Romance That’s Clean without Losing the Steam’. She’s a fervent lover of God, family, and cheese platters, as well as the ultimate hater of laundry.