Celebrate Lit Presents: Choices (A Joyful Cup Story Book 1) by Jacquelyn Lynn

About the Book

Book: Choices
Author: Jacquelyn Lynn
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Release Date: April, 2019
I

In a horrifying moment of inattention on a dark morning, lives change forever.
When college student Samantha Lawrence takes her eyes off the road for just a few seconds to send a text, she swerves out of her lane and hits Kevin Wyland as he rides his bicycle. In a panic, she drives away.
After the crash, Samantha tries to find out who the rider is and the status of his injuries. She is shocked to discover that she knows him. Not only does she shop at the pet supply store he and his wife own, they are both regular customers of Joyful Cup, a popular neighborhood coffee shop, and friends with the owner, Joy Shepherd.
Consumed with overwhelming guilt and fear of criminal charges, Samantha decides to do whatever it takes to avoid being identified as the hit-and-run driver. Kevin struggles with anger, bitterness, and a crisis of faith as he embarks on the slow process of recovering from his serious injuries.
As their lives intertwine with increasing frequency, Samantha and Kevin both turn to Joy for advice and guidance. Can she help them find the forgiveness and peace they need?
This is a heartwarming story with a powerful message of forgiveness that will make you smile even as it brings tears to your eyes.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

 

Jacquelyn Lynn finds joy in her faith, family, and friends, and in the knowledge that she is living God’s purpose for her life. In addition to Choices, she is the author of more than 30 non-fiction books including Finding Joy in the Morning and Words to Work By, as well as the meditations in the Christian Meditations and Faith Words Adult Coloring Books.

More from Jacquelyn

The idea for Choices first came to me more than five years ago. Though I’ve written (or ghostwritten) more than 30 non-fiction books, the process of writing a novel was both intriguing and intimidating. Once I voiced my desire, my wonderful husband Jerry Clement became my biggest champion, encouraging and even nagging me along the way as I talked but didn’t write. And when I finally began to write, he listened, offered suggestions, and proofread. Every time I voiced a doubt, he shot it down. As the manuscript neared completion, he designed the cover and supported me through the myriad of details that are essential to finishing and publishing a book. Had it not been for him, Choices would not be in readers’ hands today.
As Choices began to take shape, I realized that Joyful Cup, the coffee shop where much of the story takes place, had many more stories to tell. The next book in the Joyful Cup Story series will be released in 2020.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 29

Godly Book Reviews, October 29

Maureen’s Musings, October 30

For the Love of Literature, October 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 31

Moments, November 1

amandainpa, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 2

Pause for Tales, November 3

Older & Smarter?, November 4

My Devotional Thoughts, November 5

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

janicesbookreviews, November 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 7

A Reader’s Brain, November 8

Inklings and notions, November 9

Reader’s Cozy Corner, November 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 10

Quiet Quilter, November 11

Batya’s Bits, November 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jacquelyn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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/ee13/choices-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

The title of this book sure hits it on the nail. We all make choices, some good and some bad, some we own up to, and others we want to sweep under the rug.
The author has given us characters that are given choices, as we all are, but one makes a terrible one, and we are there to see how one choice leads to another and then another.
I found this one a compelling page-turner, and I had to find out who made it to the end, and if all would be turned over to God.

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

Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder (Main Street Book Club Mysteries #1) by Amy Lillard

Not every murder is by the book…

As Sugar Springs gears up for its all-class high school reunion, Mississippi bookstore owner Arlo Stanley prepares to launch her largest event: a book-signing with the town’s legendary alum and bestselling author, Wally Harrison. That’s when Wally is discovered dead outside of Arlo’s front door and her best friend is questioned for the crime.

When the elderly ladies of Arlo’s Friday Night Book Club start to investigate, Arlo has no choice but to follow behind to keep them out of trouble. Yet with Wally’s reputation, the suspect list only grows longer—his betrayed wife, his disgruntled assistant, even the local man who holds a grudge from a long-ago accident.

Between running interference with the book club and otherwise keeping it all together, Arlo anxiously works to get Chloe out of jail. And amidst it all, her one-time boyfriend-turned-private-eye returns to town, just another distraction while she digs to uncover the truth around Wally’s death and just what Sugar Springs secret could have led to his murder.

Amazon


About The Author

Amy Lillard is an award-winning author with more than forty novels and novellas in print. She’s a member of MWA, RWA, ACFW, NINC, Sisters in Crime, and the Author’s Guild.
Though she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing, she didn’t think about publishing until she decided to try her hand at a pirate romance inspired by the Caribbean where she and her husband lived for several years.
Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a happily transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, and three spoiled cats. She can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyLillard918/
Instagram: amy_lillard_author
Twitter: @AmyLillard918
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5809947.Amy_Lillard
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AmyLillard918/


My Review

The author has us on a quest to solve the murder of one of her high school class members, and with an all class reunion in town, it could be anyone.
With chuckles and sleuthing we go about looking who killed Wally, and then trying to get her friend and employee out of jail. We have a bookstore owner, the one who has a body fall out of her building, and her worker and friend accused of the dastardly deed.
We get to see the Book Club go about trying to prove the innocence of their friend.
Surprises here, or maybe not, whom is the murderer? This one will keep you page-turning and guessing!

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

Celebrate Lit Presents: Mission Hollywood by Michelle Kenner

About the Book

Book: Mission Hollywood
Author: Michelle Keener
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 16, 2019

 

What could possibly go wrong?
Movie star Ben Prescott arrives back in Hollywood after causing a scandal with his ex-girlfriend in Rome. Chased through the airport by paparazzi, he jumps into a limo hoping for a quick getaway. Instead he finds Lily Shaw, a pastor’s daughter and preschool teacher. When the paparazzi capture a photo of the two of them together, Ben’s agent demands that he do whatever it takes to keep the story from hitting the gossip pages . . . even volunteer to work at Lily’s church.
Sparks fly as the movie star and the pastor’s daughter work side by side. When Lily accompanies Ben to the premiere of his latest movie, Hollywood takes notice. Under intense media scrutiny and pressure from the movie industry, Ben must risk his career to follow his heart, but Lily wants the one thing he doesn’t have, faith.
Mission Hollywood is an inspirational story about love, faith, and second chances.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Keener is a wife, mom, and the author of three books. She lives in Southern California with her retired Marine husband, their two children, and one spoiled dog. When she isn’t writing, she is busy homeschooling, teaching creative writing workshops, or baking something involving chocolate.
Michelle loves to hear from readers and you can usually find her on Twitter @MKeenerWrites or at her website www.MichelleKeener.com

More from Michelle

Why Hollywood?
That’s a great question! Of all the places I could have set a Christian romance novel, why pick Hollywood? It isn’t exactly the first place that pops into your mind when you think Christian romance, right?
The truth is I spent four years of my life trying to become an actress. I was a theatre major in the Los Angeles area and I spent a lot of time in Hollywood. I’ve been down Hollywood Boulevard, visited casting offices, and gone to open-call auditions. In those years, I saw the good and the bad of the movie industry. I saw dreams shattered and hearts broken under the glamourous lights of the Sunset Strip. Years later, when I started thinking about writing a Christian romance, I knew Hollywood was the perfect setting to tell the story of God’s unchanging, never-ending love for us.
Mission Hollywood isn’t just one love story, it’s two. The romance between Ben and Lily is definitely swoon-worthy, but there is also the story of how much God loves us. I hope you enjoy Mission Hollywood…it’s only the beginning of the story for the Shaw Family. Book two is coming in February!

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 24

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 24

Maureen’s Musings, October 25

Books, Life, and Christ, October 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, October 26

For Him and My Family, October 27

Moments, October 27

Through the Fire Blogs, October 28

Pause for Tales, October 29

She Lives To Read, October 29

Older & Smarter?, October 30

Blessed & Bookish, October 30

Inklings and notions, October 31

Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 31

Godly Book Reviews, November 1

My Devotional Thoughts, November 1

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 2

Back Porch Reads, November 2

Texas Book-aholic, November 3

For The Love of Books, November 3

Quiet Quilter, November 4

janicesbookreviews, November 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 5

A Reader’s Brain, November 6

Books, Books, and More Books., November 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a Red Carpet Collection, which includes a signed paperback copy of Mission Hollywood, a custom Pura Vida bracelet in red carpet colors, a signed and numbered print of the original painting “Redemption” by artist Charlotte Lauder, a vintage-Hollywood style postcard, a bookmark, and a magnet!!

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/ecf4/mission-hollywood-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

As I began reading this story it felt so real, like I was watching real life. Could a celebrity get into the wrong limo, sure, especially with the paparazzi following him.
The limo ride that the author gives us is about to change lives, for the better? Well, you need to pick up this book, and I enjoyed this read, but some of it will have you shaking your head, and whom can you trust?
I loved how God uses people and circumstances here, but will it be enough to bring them into his flock?
There is an epilogue at the end, but in the end. I wanted more!

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

In an Instant by Tracy Wainwright

The Clock is Ticking...
Julie Montgomery left for work but never arrived. Her husband, Luke, reports her disappearance, but Officer Terrence Cooper isn't convinced anything's amiss. As he looks into the case, he discovers that not only are Luke Montgomery's fears warranted, but that Julie had been hiding a dark secret.

Julie vanished in an instant. By the time Terrence unravels the truth, will it be too late to get her back?

Amazon 


About The Author

  
Tracy is a multi-published author, having self-published more than half a dozen books and is currently under contract for her first traditionally published novel. She has also been published in multiple local and national magazines over the last ten years. Tracy enjoys writing in a variety of genres and has works in the categories of Bible Studies, adult fiction, young adult, children’s fiction and nonfiction. Her latest nonfiction book, A Transformed Mind, is the first in a series of twelve mini ebooks devoted to life transformation. Tracy works in her writing around being a wife and homeschooling mom of four, women’s conference director, women’s ministry leader in her church and speaking. She loves Jesus, other people and both the written and spoken word.

Website 


My Review

The author gives us a story that is filled with so much past hurts and pain, and yet there are blessing here!
This book is full of suspense, and yet full of hope, God is in charge, and we have the present meeting the past, some good and some very bad.
We travel through this story and at first, we think we know the perpetrator, but be careful, all is not as it appears, and more facts come to light.
Will this young newly married couple be reunited? You will have to read through this fast pace book for answers!
I received this book through the Publisher Pelican, and was not required to give a positive review. 

Celebrate Lit Presents: Practially Married by Karin Berry

 About the Book

Book: Practically Married
Author: Karin Beery
Genre: General Market, clean fiction, women’s fiction, contemporary romance
Release Date: October 22, 2019

 
She moved to a new town to marry her fiancé. Instead, she’s burying him.
Ashley Johnson moved to northern Michigan to finally meet her fiancé face-to-face, but she arrived in time to attend his funeral. With no home back in Ohio, she decides to stay in what would have been their house, except his cousin Russ lives there too, and Russ has never heard of Ashley. To complicate matters, her fiancé accidentally willed her the family farm house. Eager to please everyone and desperate to disappoint no one, she proposes a marriage of convenience that could solve her and Russ’ problems, if they can get past her aunt, his sisters, and an ex-girlfriend.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Karin Beery grew up in a rural Michigan town where she wrote her first novel in high school. Today, she writes contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s reading, editing, or teaching it. In her free time, she enjoys being at home with her husband and fur babies watching University of Michigan football and action-adventure movies.

More from Karin

Why would two contemporary American’s agree to a marriage of convenience?
That’s what I asked myself when I sat down to write Practically Married. I love reading historical books about mail order brides and other arranged marriages, but I wanted to see if I could make that historical theme more modern (and still be believable).
That’s how Ashley and Russ came to be, and—after several revisions—I think I did it! It takes two to get married, but this is really Ashley’s story—it’s her past that inspires her future, and it’s up to her to decide where that inspiration with lead her.
The story couldn’t just be about their relationship, though. I’ve always thought it would be fun to have a big brother, so I gave Russ little sisters. And nieces and nephews. And a pie-baking mom who doesn’t like his beard (which may have been inspired my mother-in-law, who tried desperately to get my husband to shave his beard before our wedding). I also threw in some real buildings and places in northern Michigan (even though Boyne Falls is fictional). And it’s possible that some of my character names came directly from friends and other local inspirations. Practically Married isn’t only set in northern Michigan, it’s inspired by it.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 22

Blogging With Carol, October 22

Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 23

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, October 23

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

CarpeDiem, October 24

Maureen’s Musings, October 24

Emily Yager, October 25

Rebecca Tews, October 25

Older & Smarter?, October 26

For Him and My Family, October 26

janicesbookreviews, October 27

Quiet Quilter, October 27

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 27

Cultivating Us, October 28

April Hayman, Author , October 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 29

SusanLovesBooks, October 29

Through the Fire Blogs, October 30

Vicky Sluiter, October 30

A Reader’s Brain, October 31

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, October 31

Moments, November 1

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections, November 1

EmpowerMoms, November 2

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 2

Inklings and notions , November 3

Remembrancy, November 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 3

Godly Book Reviews, November 4

Pause for Tales, November 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karin is giving away the grand prize of a copy of her 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/ed90/practically-married-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

I enjoyed this story, and what really started out as a very sad beginning, ended with smiles.
A very small-town setting, and with winter that won’t leave, and this is where a young woman places her destiny and sells her possessions to go and live and actually marry a man she has never met.
A burned farmer is surprised to have this woman show up, and as the story unfolds, surprises come about. As a Mom, I would be shocked to have my child do what these two are about, and the family sure does let them know.
A page-turning fun read!

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

The Miracles of Jesus (Imagine) by Matt Koceich

The Fifth Release in an Epic Bible Adventure Series for Kids

The last thing twelve-year-old John Le remembers (before the world as he knew it disappeared) is flying home through turbulent skies to McCarran International Airport. What happens next can't be explained as John finds himself in the middle of a wooden boat surrounded by a group of men—in ancient Israel! Imagine. . .The Miracles of Jesus is the fifth release in an exciting epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12 written by schoolteacher Matt Koceich. The Imagine series brings the Bible to life for today's kids as they ponder what it would be like to live through a monumental biblical event.

Don't miss Book 1 in the Imagine Series--The Great Flood. . .Book 2--The Ten Plagues. . .Book 3--The Fall of Jericho. . .or Book 4--The Giant's Fall!

Amazon


About The Author

Matt Koceich is a public school teacher with the Arlington Independent School District. He earned his master's degree in education from the University of North Texas and has been teaching fourth through sixth graders for 17 years. His wife and their four children live in Mansfield, TX.

Website


My Review

Another addition to an already great series, geared to 8 to 12 year olds, and show how you can call on Jesus.
When you run out of options, but Faith is all you have, and that is when your Faith is strongest. This is a point that is brought forward in this beautiful little book!
My 12-year-old found this one captivating, and now looking forward to more of these reads!

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

Before and After: The Incredible Real-Life Stories of Orphans Who Survived the Tennessee Children's Home Society by Judy Christie, Lisa Wingate

The compelling, poignant true stories of victims of a notorious adoption scandal--some of whom learned the truth from Lisa Wingate's bestselling novel Before We Were Yours and were reunited with birth family members as a result of its wide reach

From the 1920s to 1950, Georgia Tann ran a black-market baby business at the Tennessee Children's Home Society in Memphis. She offered up more than 5,000 orphans tailored to the wish lists of eager parents--hiding the fact that many weren't orphans at all, but stolen sons and daughters of poor families, desperate single mothers, and women told in maternity wards that their babies had died.

The publication of Lisa Wingate's novel Before We Were Yours brought new awareness of Tann's lucrative career in child trafficking. Adoptees who knew little about their pasts gained insight into the startling facts behind their family histories. Encouraged by their contact with Wingate and award-winning journalist Judy Christie, who documented the stories of fifteen adoptees in this book, many determined Tann survivors set out to trace their roots and find their birth families.

Before and After includes moving and sometimes shocking accounts of the ways in which adoptees were separated from their first families. Often raised as only children, many have joyfully reunited with siblings in the final decades of their lives. Christie and Wingate tell of first meetings that are all the sweeter and more intense for time missed and of families from very different social backgrounds reaching out to embrace better-late-than-never brothers, sisters, and cousins. In a poignant culmination of art meeting life, many of the long-silent victims of the tragically corrupt system return to Memphis with the authors to reclaim their stories at a Tennessee Children's Home Society reunion . . . with extraordinary results.

Amazon


About The Authors

Lisa Wingate

Lisa Wingate is a former journalist, an inspirational speaker, and the bestselling author of more than thirty books. Her blockbuster "Before We Were Yours" was on the NYT best seller list for over one year. Her work has won or been nominated for many awards, including the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, the Utah Library Award, the Carol Award, the Christy Award, and the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. Lisa believes stories can change the world. 

Website


Judy Christie

Judy Christie is an author and consultant who lives in Northwest Louisiana.

She writes inspirational fiction and nonfiction. Her popular Green series chronicles the goings-on in the small Louisiana town of Green and is part of Abingdon Press’s new inspirational fiction line.

Judy is also the author of the popular Hurry Less, Worry Less nonfiction series, published by Abingdon Press.

Wreath, published in October 2011, is Judy’s first young adult book. Look for it and a free download on her books page!

Judy was a journalist for many years and is a frequent speaker at retreats and workshops. She works with clients around the country on how to slow down and enjoy each day more and how.

Website


My Review

Truth is better than fiction, and alas fiction is about to come true, and these wonderful authors share their experiences and lives with us.
Yes, I read “Before We Were Yours, along with a million other readers, and the feeling that book evoked are magnified here as we put names to the people that lives were forever changes. The evil perpetrated by Georgian Tann, and others all in the name of greed, and the shattered lives she left in her wake.
Now we know why the first book was written, the power it held to let people go forward with their lives. With some it has opened doors to lost family, with others a method of closure, and others a type of healing with others of similar experiences.
Is justice served? That is unanswered, the main instigator died years ago, and I believe she got what she deserved, but we know many more were involved, and they had to live with what they did no matter how they tried to justify their actions.
A great addition to the first book, and yes, fiction meets fact.

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

The Bright Unknown by Elizabeth Byler Younts

This poignant and heartbreaking novel explores the power of resilience, the gift of friendship, and the divine beauty to be found in the big, bright world—if only we’re willing to look.

Pennsylvania, 1940s. The only life Brighton Friedrich has ever known is the one she has endured within the dreary walls of Riverside Home—the rural asylum where she was born. A nurse, Joann, has educated and raised Brighton, whose mother is a patient at the hospital. But Joann has also kept vital information from Brighton—secrets that if ever revealed would illuminate Brighton’s troubling past and the circumstances that confine her to Riverside. Brighton’s best friend is a boy she calls Angel, and as they grow up together and face the bleak future that awaits them, they determine to make a daring escape.

Nothing can prepare Brighton and Angel for life beyond Riverside’s walls. They have no legal identities, very little money, and only a few leads toward a safe place to land. As they struggle to survive in a world they’ve never seen before, they must rely on each other and the kindness of strangers—some of whom may prove more dangerous than the asylum they’ve fled.

Narrated in Elizabeth Byler Yount’s gorgeous style, The Bright Unknown is a sparkling search for answers, family, and a place to call home.

Amazon


About The Author

Go to www.elizabethbyleryounts.com to subscribe to the newsletter and receive the audio of the first chapter of her new release THE SOLACE OF WATER as a thank you gift.

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She gained a worldwide audience through her first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl and is a RITA nominated writer. She is also the author of The Promise of Sunrise series. She has consulted on Amish lifestyle and the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect two award-winning television shows. Elizabeth lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two daughters, and a cockapoo named Fable.


My Review

A book that will make you shutter, and I found myself with tears, those poor people. There is a lot of truth in this read, and knowing that made it so much harder for me to make myself believe this is a fictional book.
The author does a wonderful job throughout the story, and once you pick the book up, it becomes very hard to put down. Although there is not an epilogue, the book does bring everything to a conclusion and we are up dated, and I was surprised!
Hard to read what happens here, but superbly done, and you don’t want to miss it!

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

Celebrate Lit Presents: Better Than Fiction by April W. Gardner & Michelle Massaro

 

About the Book

Book: Better than Fiction
Author: April W. Gardner &  Michelle Massaro
Genre: Historical Fiction/Contemporary Fiction
Release Date: April 4, 2016


 


Imagining him was harmless…until it wasn’t.
Romance novelist Meghan Townsend’s marriage is slipping, and no amount of prayer seems to help. She aims to recapture her husband’s waning attention by getting in shape and finds escape by crafting her own fictional love story. Taking inspiration for the hero from a new friend—the attractive, spiritual, and attentive Curtis Jameson—she pours her yearnings onto the page, and craves the kind of pulse-pounding romance found in her book, Racing Hearts…
In 1916 Corona, California, motorcars are all the rage, and racing them is what Meghan’s hero, Russell Keegan, does best. But when his competition vandalizes his car, the only mechanic available is a greasy woman in a man’s overalls.
After a racing accident claimed her father’s life, Winifred became the sole breadwinner for her family. She is disdained as a female mechanic, but her daddy’s trade is all she has left. Can she swallow her hatred of the races and take up Russell’s offer of big bucks to fix his car, or will she lose everything to mounting debt?
Under Meghan’s skillful pen, these two embark on a thrilling, adventurous romance. But she finds that writing those love scenes with Curtis’s face in mind takes her heart places it shouldn’t go. Will she realize in time that real life can be better than fiction?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

April W Gardner writes Christian historical romance with a focus on our southeastern Native tribes. She is a copyeditor, military wife, and mother of two who lives in South Texas. In no particular order, April dreams of owning a horse, learning a third language, and visiting all the national parks.







    Michelle Massaro writes contemporary fiction, soaked in grace. She makes her home in Southern California with her husband of over two decades and their four children. She’s dabbled in homeschooling, teaching Creation Science, and leading worship. When she isn’t tinkering with words, Michelle enjoys old Rogers and Hammerstein movies, making kefir, and Sudoku. A new lipstick and a good French roast always make her happy.

More from April and Michelle

April and Michelle get a lot of questions about how exactly co-authors write a book. Who writes which part? Did you have any trouble, any conflict? Valid questions! But in the case of Better than Fiction, it was no trouble at all, and neither author can remember a single heated disagreement. In part, because they’d been critique partners for eons and were already working together seamlessly.
It also helped that the story is made up of two intertwining novellas. Each author had her own blank canvas to color on with the other looking on and offering feedback. The most enjoyable part of the process was the challenge of making sure the events in the life of Michelle’s contemporary character (an author) influenced the characters’ decisions in April’s historical plot.
Why intertwining stories? The idea behind it was to show what it’s like to live in the mind of a writer, how her real life makes its way into her stories. The theme of emotional affairs was a good fit, as it is often all too easy for women—even Christian woman—to be drawn to another man and justify it as harmless friendship rather than admit she is looking to this person to fill a need that only God and her husband are meant to fill.
They decided to set the story against the backdrop of Michelle’s hometown of Corona, California in 1916 and the real-life Corona Road Race that took place in April of that year. It was the third race and, due to tragedy, the last.
From concept to “The End,” it took a span of about four years for Michelle and April to publish Better than Fiction, and as far as teamwork goes, it went off without a hitch. April was able to fly from her home in Georgia to stay with Michelle’s family and do research, and later, Michelle flew to Georgia for a concentrated writing weekend. The two had an amazingly fun time writing and working together.
Another question the authors get…will there be a sequel? Only time will tell.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 9

Among the Reads, October 9

Genesis 5020, October 10

Through the Fire Blogs, October 11

Betti Mace, October 11

Artistic Nobody, October 12

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 13

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 14

For Him and My Family, October 15

Remembrancy, October 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 16

Maureen’s Musings, October 16

Godly Book Reviews, October 17

Moments, October 17

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 18

Bigreadersite, October 18

Texas Book-aholic, October 19

For The Love of Books, October 19

janicesbookreviews, October 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 20

A Reader’s Brain, October 21

Inklings and notions , October 22

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, April and Michelle are giving away the grand prize bundle of a $20 Amazon gift card, themed mug and bookmarks, and handmade throw pillow that says, “Books, my happy place”!!

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/ed92/better-than-fiction-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

I loved the concept of this book, and we are gifted with actually two books in one!
The two authors have melded this into one book, and although we are flipping between 1916 and present day, and I never felt lost.
A strong point in both of these stories is that often our thoughts/impressions are not fact! Lessons are learned, and conclusions are made, and we are there to the very end.
Looking forward to more by these new to me authors.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop October 15 - 31st ~ $10 Amazon Gift Card

I am participating in the Annual Spooktacular Giveaway Hop, all you need to do is fill out the Rafflecopter I'm give away a $10 Amazon Gift Card.  Good Luck!!!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Card. 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. Giveaway is sponsored by Maureen's Musings. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Celebrate Lit Presents: The Vacant House by Tamara G. Cooper

 About the Book

Book: The Vacant House
Author: Tamara G. Cooper
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 3, 2019
She knows she didn’t do it, but everybody thinks she did.
It all begins when best-selling author Sophie O’Brion is the last person to see a murder victim alive. She looks even more guilty when a woman from her church is beaten, and Sophie was seen with her just hours before. Suddenly, people she has known her entire life begin pointing accusing fingers at her.
Marine Master Sergeant Burke Maguire, an old flame who dumped Sophie years ago, has recently been hired as a police officer in Forman Falls, Texas, and is assigned her case. She doesn’t want his help.
As she gets deeper and deeper into trouble, though, she must rely on him, but trusting him is another matter.
Will they be able to work together, maneuver dangerous twists and turns, and finally clear her name?
A clean romantic suspense novel that grips you from the very beginning and won’t let you go! The Vacant House is an unforgettable adventure. Read it today, if you have plans to stay up all night.

Click here for your copy!

About the Author

Tamara G. Cooper lives in Texas with her husband, three sons, five dogs, and loves writing mysteries with a touch of romance.

More from Tamara

Book 1 of Sophie O’Brion Mysteries introduces us to Sophie O’Brion, a quirky, funny, and reclusive mystery writer who lives in a small town in East Texas. Because Sophie looks at life through a lens of humor, funny moments appear often. There are frightening moments, too, in her quest to clear her name from pointing fingers accusing her of murder and attempted murder. Sophie is vulnerable, yet strong; reclusive, yet kind; funny, yet serious. And she is determined! It doesn’t help that added to all this is the return of her high school sweetheart who dumped her 12 years before to join the Marines. As a new police officer, Burke is assigned her case, but she doesn’t want his help. Sparks fly, trust doesn’t, and love stays comfortably in the past. Will Sophie and Burke be able to save her reputation and re-ignite their love for each other? I hope you enjoy this book! Happy reading!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 3

Godly Book Reviews, October 3

Pause for Tales, October 4

Emily Yager, October 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 6

Mary Hake, October 6

Texas Book-aholic, October 7

CarpeDiem, October 7

janicesbookreviews, October 8

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 8

Quiet Quilter, October 9

Betti Mace, October 10

Blogging With Carol, October 10

Remembrancy, October 11

A Reader’s Brain, October 12

For Him and My Family, October 12

Moments, October 13

Inklings and notions , October 14

Maureen’s Musings, October 14

My Devotional Thoughts, October 15

HookMeInABook, October 15

Daysong Reflections, October 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamara is giving away a copy of the book and a $50 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.com/ps/eeaa/vacant-house-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

I had a bit of a time getting into this story, there are a lot of characters, and kept of reading so I could find out how they all tied together.
The ending surprised me and along with the non-stop action, I was quickly page turning.
There are dogs, stealing newspapers and bones, and cats with nine lives, along with families that aren’t really speaking, and then secrets that have been long held begin to drop. Some of the characters are really not what they appear, and others I judged wrong, and I needed to get to the answers here!
There are soon to be two more books to come in this series, where we can move on with these characters.

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