Blog Tour and Giveaway; In the Heart of a Mustang by MJ Evans

Join us for this tour from July 27 to August 7, 2020!

Book Details:

Book Title:  PINTO! Based Upon the True Story of the Longest Horseback Ride in History by M.J. Evans
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  243 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher:  Dancing Horse Press
Release date:   October, 2019
Content Rating:  G. This book is taken from the actual journals that were kept by the men on the journey. There is no bad language or explicit scenes.

Book Description:

In 1912, four men, calling themselves the “Overland Westerners,” decided fame and fortune awaited if they embarked on the longest horseback ride in history. Their goal was to visit all forty-eight state capitals over the course of three years and complete their journey at the San Francisco World’s Fair on June 1, 1915. Facing rugged roads, raging rivers, thieves and near starvation, the men went through seventeen horses. Only one horse completed the entire journey…Pinto, a little horse with a heart as big as the whole country! This is Pinto’s account of his arduous adventure.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com ~ B&N ~ Books-A-Million
Book Depository ~ IndieBound

ALSO ON THIS TOUR:

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  In the Heart of a Mustang by M.J. Evans
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  359 pages
Genre: Contemporary Coming of Age
Publisher:  Dancing Horse Press
Release date:   October, 2017
Format available for review:  print, mobi file (for Kindle), gifted Kindle copy, ePub, PDF, NetGalley download
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: July 27 to August 7, 2020
Content Rating:  PG. Some suggested violence but not explicit

Book Description:

A boy is told that his father was a brave and virtuous man, a soldier who traded his life to save the lives of countless others. He was the man that Hunter needed to emulate. The only problem is the whole story is a lie, all of it. The truth, which Hunter discovers as he begins his sophomore year of high school, is that his father has actually spent the boy’s entire life in jail, paying his debt to society, but not mending his ways. A wild mustang mare, is rounded up by the BLM. The spring rains had been sparse, the forage on the plains even more so. The mare and her herd are rescued from certain starvation and placed for adoption. In a sandy corral at Promise Ranch, a home for troubled teenage boys, the boy and the mare meet. A weathered, old cowboy brings them together – a mentor for one, a trainer for the other. The bond that forms between boy and horse becomes one that saves the lives of both.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com ~ B&N ~ Books-A-Million
Book Depository ~ IndieBound
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Award-winning author M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Upon graduation from Oregon State University, she spent five years teaching high school and middle school students. She retired from teaching to raise her five children. Mrs. Evans is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in Dressage and riding in the beautiful Colorado mountains. She has published fourteen books, most of which are fiction.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~ Pinterest  ~  Instagram ~ Goodreads

Tour Schedule:

July 27 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of PINTO! / guest post / giveaway
July 27 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of PINTO! / giveaway
July 27 - My Journey Back – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / guest post / giveaway
July 28 – Splashes of Joy – book review of PINTO! / author interview / giveaway
July 28 - She Just Loves Books – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway
July 29 – Svetlanas reads and views – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway
July 29 - Adventurous Bookworm – book review of PINTO! / giveaway
July 29 - Krisha's Cozy Corner - book review of PINTO! / author interview / giveaway
July 30 – Splashes of Joy – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / guest post / giveaway
July 30 - My Reading Journeys – book review of PINTO! / author interview / giveaway
July 31 – Literary Flits – book review of PINTO! / giveaway
July 31 - T's Stuff - book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway
Aug 3 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway
Aug 3 - T's Stuff - book review of PINTO! / author interview / giveaway
Aug 3 - My Journey Back – book review of PINTO! / giveaway
Aug 4 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway
Aug 4 - She Just Loves Books – book review of PINTO! / giveaway
Aug 5 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review of PINTO! / giveaway
Aug 5 - Adventurous Bookworm – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway
Aug 5 - My Reading Journeys – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway
Aug 6 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway
Aug 6 - Blooming with Books - book review of PINTO! / giveaway
Aug 7 - Svetlanas reads and views – book review of PINTO! / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review: 

In the Heart of a Mustang is yet another great read by M.J. Evans. I had the pleasure of previously reading her Pinto! . I adored that book and was happy to have the opportunity to read this one. I was definitely not disappointed. 

In the Heart of a Mustang readers will be introduced to fifteen year old boy, Hunter. He gets angry with his mother when he finds the truth about his father. He gets into some trouble and sent to Promise Ranch, a place for teenage boys who are going the wrong path in life. This is where Hunter meets the rescued mustang mare, Sally. The two become friends and both have to learn how to trust one another. I loved learning theses beautiful life lessons that all readers, young and old, could learn from. 

In the Heart of a Mustang is a well written story. Hunter is a character that is relatable and could be easily understood what he is going through by many readers. I found that it connects well with them. 

I am giving In the Heart of a Mustang a very well deserved five stars. I would love to find more stories like this by M.J. Evans in the near future. I highly recommend this one for readers who enjoy young adult reads and horses and for ages 12 and up. I thought it was a great read. 

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Finding Home by Corrine Joy Brown and Ginny McDonald

Join us for this tour from August 3 to August 21, 2020!

Book Details:

Book Title:  FINDING HOME by Corinne Joy Brown and Ginny McDonald
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  130 pages
Genre: General Fiction
Publisher:  Loose Cayuse Productions
Release date:   June 2019
Content Rating:  G. There are no expletives, sex scenes or bad language anywhere.

“Born in the flatlands of Rock Springs, Wyoming, newborn mustang Pahaska tells the heart-wrenching story of her separation from her mother and the wild horse herd she was born into. Captured by strangers, her entire world has disintegrated. Penned in the filthy, manure-filled confines of a horse hauler’s trailer, her life is changed forever. Finding Home, a 2020 Spur Finalist for Juvenile Fiction, is a brilliantly written story about the adoption of the mustang “Curly Girl” by a teen who has always dreamed of having her own horse. Ginny McDonald’s illustrations convey fine detail and emotion in the images of the horses, bringing each one to life. This heart-warming tale will appeal to those with a love for animals.” - Joni Franks, RoundUp Magazine, Western Writers of America

“This beautifully written and illustrated book will appeal to any animal loving young reader. Differences (equine and otherwise) are applauded, working through complicated human relationships, a philosophical, well balanced approach to difficult issues (wild horse roundups), and positive animal training techniques are included in this educational, riveting new book!” - Nancy Sachs, Director Platte Valley Pony Club

“To see the world through the eyes of a newborn filly as she grows into adulthood, or an excited young girl in search of her first horse, is a treasure found in Corinne Joy Brown’s novel Finding Home, a story of loss and recovery told in a brilliant way. The illustrations by Ginny McDonald help to refine the wonderful writing which places the reader squarely in the experience of Curly Girl and Jesse, her adopter. Finding Home is a wonderful story for our time, in consideration of the wild horses whose freedom is threatened across the West and the people who adopt the captured ones into loving homes.” - James A. Holmes CEO and Executive Director, Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation

Book Description:

For every girl or boy who owns a horse, or wished they did, Finding Home brings all the drama and beauty of America’s wild horses to the middle-grade reader.

A coming-of-age story and a tale about friendship, trust and understanding, both horse and owner have powerful lessons to learn. Together, young Jesse Nolan from Colorado and her wild mustang, Curly Girl, rounded up in Wyoming, discover what it means to rely on oneself, as well as those who love you most.

Buy the Book:
Finding Home
Amazon ~ B&N

Meet the Authors:

Ginny McDonald is an award-winning, professional Colorado illustrator and a longtime advocate for wild horses. She is the adopter of an American Curly mare, and more recently, a second mustang named "Lil Bit". Ginny's skill in the use of Prismacolor pencils brings this story to life with rich detail and heartfelt emotion.

  

Denver native Corinne Joy Brown is a multi-published, award-winning Colorado author, magazine editor and freelance writer focused on the West ." Recent publications include "Young Rider", "Cowboys & Indians," and "Working Ranch." She's also been a horse owner most of her life. Corinne is committed to teaching the next generation about the power of horses to teach and heal. "Finding Home" is her eighth book.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Facebook 

 

Tour Schedule:

Aug 3 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Aug 3 – Corinne Rodrigues | Booksnista – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 4 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 4 - Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / author interview / giveaway
Aug 5 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Aug 5 - My Journey Back – book review / author interview / giveaway
Aug 6 – I'd Rather Be At The Beach – book review
Aug 7 –T's Stuff – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Aug 7 - Books for Books – book spotlight
Aug 10 – Reading Authors Nework – book review / giveaway
Aug 11 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Aug 11 - Priya's Lit Blog – book review / giveaway
Aug 12 – Older & Smarter? – book review
Aug 12 - Read and Review – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Aug 13 - A Mama's Corner Of the World – book review / giveaway
Aug 13 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 14 – Rosepoint Publishing – book review / giveaway
Aug 14 - Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway
Aug 17 – authors.ace – book review
Aug 18 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Aug 18 - Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Aug 19 – Krisha's Cozy Corner – book review / guest post / giveaway
Aug 19 - Library of Clean Reads - book review / giveaway
Aug 20 – My Reading Journey – book review / guest post / giveaway
Aug 20 - Pen Possessed - book review / giveaway
Aug 21 – Svetlanas reads and views – book review

Enter the Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 



My Review: 

Finding Home is a wonderful children's story. I enjoyed reading this with my eleven year old girl and eight year old boy. We read this as part of their school summer reading program. We loved getting to know Jesse Nolan and her wild mustang, Curly Girl. We were entertained following their adventure to Colorado from Wyoming. The two learn and teach some very important life lessons that we could all learn from. Including, the importance of friendship, love and trust. My daughter is a horse lover and has always been obsessed with the western wild mustang. So, this tale really spoke to her and taught her more about these beautiful creatures. It was nice watching the joy on her face while reading this.

In addition to the inspiring story of Finding Home, there are a lot of illustrations included. Ginny McDonald's creations perfectly followed Jesse and Curly Girl's adventures. My children and I greatly enjoyed the vibrant and colorful pictures that accompanied the book throughout.

Finding Home gets four and a half stars from me. I would love to see more books by the talents of Corinne Joy Brown and Ginny McDonald in the near future. I can not wait to send my copy of this book to my children's local school and share it with the community's young readers. I think they will be just as entertained by it as we were.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Frankie and the Gift of Fantasy by Ruthy Ballard

Join us for this tour from August 3 to August 14, 2020!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Frankie and the Gift of Fantasy by Ruthy Ballard
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 260 pages
Genre:  Fantasy and Magic
Publisher:  WhipSmart Books
Release date:   June 16, 2020 (ebook); October 1, 2020 (print)
Tour dates: August 3 to August 14, 2020
Content Rating:  G.

Book Description:

Frankie Russo doesn’t brood about the past or worry about the future. He lives in the present moment, frolicking in a world of make-believe that drives his high-achieving parents crazy. They have lofty ambitions for him, but Frankie has no interest. He prefers to flip helium burgers on Jupiter or rule a kingdom of mermen in the Caspian Sea, up inside his head, where all the fun is. Frankie’s parents nag him endlessly, worried he’ll come to nothing. But all that changes when he disappears through a mysterious crack in his bedroom ceiling and finds himself on a distant, two-mooned planet called Urth. Why was he drawn there? He doesn’t know, but as he embarks on a delightful, mind-blowing adventure, Frankie’s desperate parents think he’s been abducted, and an innocent man is arrested and charged with the crime! On the surface, Frankie and the Gift of Fantasy is a lighthearted science-rich adventure story that takes its middle grade readers on an entertaining romp to the other side of the galaxy. But the undercurrent is one of discovery and redemption, where a ten-year-old boy, through an unexpected journey, finds a way to escape his parent’s stifling shadow and emerge into a future of his own choosing.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads

 

Meet the Author:

Ruthy Ballard is a children's book author, artist, and scientist who lives in Sacramento, California. By day, she’s “Dr. Ruth Ballard,” a professor and forensic DNA expert. By night, she romps in an imaginative playground of colors and words. Ruthy is the author of Frankie and the Gift of Fantasy and Tales by Moons-Light: Stories from Before the Great Melt. She is currently working on the third book in her Tales by Moons-light series: Elvia and the Gift of Passion. Her entertaining stories lure middle grade readers into science, but her creative ventures don’t stop there. She’s also a folk artist whose colorful "cartoons" delight and inspire both children and adults. Ruthy is married to a musician and is the mother of two sons, three cats, and a Samoyed dog named Mush, all of whom appear in her work, in various guises, from time to time.

connect with author:  website  ~  facebook  ~  goodreads

Tour Schedule:

Aug 3 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 3 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 4 – Book Paradise – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 4 - Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 5 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 5 - Library of Clean Reads – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 6 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 7 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 7 - Hall Ways Blog – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 7 - Writer with Wanderlust – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 10 – The Book View – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 11 – Pen Possessed – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 11 - The Bespectacled Mother – book spotlight
Aug 12 – Sarah Says – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 13 – Haddie's Haven – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 13 - Reading Authors Network – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 13 - Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 14 – Adventurous Bookworm – book spotlight / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Sincerely Yours by Kari Trumbo

About the Book

Book:  Sincerely Yours
Author: Kari Trumbo
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Release Date: July 26, 2019

What if you fell in love with a man you’d never met?

When marketing coordinator Liberty Dryden tries to help radio station owner and DJ Tom Higgs attract new listeners and advertisers, she hits a roadblock.

He refuses to meet with her, and she has no idea why.

Tom has an affliction that’s plagued him his whole life—a painfully crippling stutter. On air, he can speak to thousands, but in person, he stumbles to find every word.

After a woman stalked him, he’s convinced his fame and fortune are all women want. He’s unable to tell Liberty why he won’t meet in person. How could he explain his unfounded doubts and his own issues?

Without her, disaster looms for his station. But, meeting her might prove he’s right about women.
Liberty takes matters into her own hands and calls into his radio show… using an assumed name.
She never expects to hit it off with him. If she reveals her secret, it will put her new relationship and her job at risk.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kari Trumbo is a bestselling author of Christian historical and contemporary romance novels. Her books are known for characters who feel real, settings you could move to, and faith woven between the pages. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, and never enough time.

More from Kari

Thank you all so much for joining me on my blog tour! I’m happy to be here. I write an eclectic mix of historical (western) and contemporary (western and not) romance, sometimes with a hint of suspense woven in. I can’t help it; my education is a degree in psychology with a sociology minor focusing on criminality and deviance… the suspense just happens whether I plan it or not.
I am one of those writers who usually gets a story idea and then writes it. I usually don’t write a book just because I “should”. That being said, this is one of those books where readers asked for it and I delivered. The first story in the series is in a popular book bundle Betwixt Two Hearts. In my story, the secondary character Liberty Dryden (named after one of my readers) is a really fun character, even though she’s only in a few scenes. Readers liked her so much, they wanted her to have her own happily ever after.

Then the hard part began.

I liked Liberty and I spent a while in her head, trying to figure her out. She was a tough one because Liberty has some hurts. She feels alone and a little used. Don’t we all? But how to write that in a way where the reader wasn’t bored by her self-doubt. Because, let’s face it, it’s cool when a story touches us in a way that is familiar, but if it’s overdone…snooze. I liked the idea that because of their hurts, both characters were shy. So, I gave myself a challenge. These two couldn’t meet until later in the story, but it still had to feel like a romance.

It’s a little like the movie You’ve Got Mail, but different too.
This series was my first big step outside of the western genre (which is funny, because I’m not at all western) and that forced me to think in new ways, which helped with the characters and bringing this story to life.
My favorite poignant quote from Sincerely Yours is, “If I can’t forgive those who ask for it, it ruins my witness. I literally can’t be the love of Jesus if I’m not willing to forgive those who wronged me. Especially if they earnestly ask.”
Thank you for joining me and happy reading!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, July 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 24

Inklings and notions, July 25

For Him and My Family, July 26

deb’s Book Review, July 26

Older & Smarter?, July 27

Through the Fire Blogs, July 28

reviewingbooksplusmore, July 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 29

Wishful Endings, July 30

Rebecca Tews, July 30

Britt Reads Fiction, July 31

Life, Love, Writing, July 31

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, August 1

Read Review Rejoice, August 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 2

Captive Dreams Window, August 2

Book of Ruth Ann, August 3

Pause for Tales, August 3

Godly Book Reviews, August 4

Livin’ Lit, August 4

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 5

Batya’s Bits, August 5

Artistic Nobody, August 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and signed copies of Sincerely Yours and Winter in Wonderland!!

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/fe33/sincerely-yours-celebration-tour-giveaway



My Review

After reading Sincerely Yours, my first question to myself is “Why is this the first and only book I have read by Kari Trumbo?” I have no idea why I have read any of her books before. I apparently have been missing out! I thought this book was a great read. I adored getting to know Liberty and Tom. The book was just under two hundred pages, but it was full of emotions. I never knew where the two ends up. I sometimes found myself tearing up at some scenes, while giggling at others. It was such a beautiful and heart warming tale.

I am giving Sincerely Yours a very well deserved five plus stars. I will most definitely be looking out for more by Miss Trumbo in the future. I loved this one. I recommend this one for readers who love to read a well written, quick, and clean inspirational story.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Inspired Artistry by Pamela Poole

About the Book

Book:  Inspired Artistry
Author: Pamela Poole
Genre:  Non-fiction, Devotional
Release Date: March 30, 2020

Spirit-filled creative expression is an outreach for Christians to be ambassadors of the Kingdom.
This insightful devotional explores how the imprint of our Creator on all mankind makes it natural for Christians to embrace their unique gifts. Through Scripture, true stories, prayer, and study questions, readers will explore how every person born has a meaningful gift to contribute joy and beauty in the world. Led by the Holy Spirit, believers can live higher than the corrupting influences that distort Christ’s intent for our personal Inspired Artistry.

The pages of Inspired Artistry contain delightful illustrations and pages for readers who journal to write their own “Inspired Musings.”

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Pamela Poole’s love for the South inspires all her books and paintings. She and her husband Mark currently live in Raleigh, NC, but she’s hoping to get back home to the Lowcountry of SC someday.
If making her fictional stories public was a step of faith, writing her first devotional was a leap! Believing all Christians have a sphere of influence, she wanted to be certain that sharing her views was a process grounded in Scripture. Pamela believes nothing is wasted for a child of God. Using examples learned through challenging experiences, she reveals accounts of true events that only her family knew about before. Years of teaching art, teaching Bible Studies, leadership roles, membership in guilds and associations, mentoring, painting, exhibiting, and writing books has provided her with a wealth of hard-won lessons to share.
Pamela lives life loving Jesus and her family as a wife, mother, and Gigi, and she is blessed with true friends. She is a member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society and PaintNC. Readers and art enthusiasts alike can enjoy her Youtube channel for painting demos, art history lessons and projects, and peeks into an author’s life. Her blog can be found on her art and publishing websites. Her illustrations for FREE coloring pages are her contribution to a cause she cares about, the healing that happens through art, and they can be downloaded on her websites. To enjoy the latest content, sign up for her newsletters and follow Pamela Poole, Artist and Author and Southern Sky Publishing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

More from Pamela

“I don’t have a talented bone in my body.”
“I can’t even make stick people.”
“I’ve never taken art classes.”
As an artist, teacher, author, and craft lover, I’ve heard statements like these all my life. My favorite is when my art students came to the first class saying, “I can’t even draw a straight line!” Flashing them my most engaging smile, I would respond brightly, “Me, either! I always use a ruler.”
Every person on the planet has a special gift of creativity. It is the stamp of our Maker, in whose image we are made. From the opening verses of the Bible, creativity is the first attribute that God reveals about Himself to mankind.
Christians have talents, but they do not think of them as creativity or as having any value in their faith or outreach to the world. Inspired Creativity—Embracing the Creative Calling is my first devotional, written to encourage my sisters and brothers in Christ to discover and develop their unique gifts. I base the book on the authority of Scripture, and I use personal stories to apply the biblical principles to real situations.
Many people shy away from their talents because of the rejection and ridicule they could face from those whose tastes run differently. I understand this well and have the scars to prove it after decades of participating in professional organizations, art exhibitions, classes, art galleries, and the online book market. Readers can look at any author’s reviews and see they will range from mean and scathing to helpful and glowing. By publishing this devotional, I have set myself up for criticism by sharing what I’ve learned and how it all fits into a biblical Christian worldview. Knowing how vulnerable creative Christians feel, I point out in this book that if we are abiding in Christ and following His lead, our work is inspired as both a healing, spiritual growth activity for our souls and something He may call us to share. We must get past our dread and remember we work to please Jesus, not mankind. Since when did Christ’s enemy not attack those who talk about Him or reach out in His name?
When writing Inspired Artistry, I faced a few scary moments when relating experiences in my creative life that only my husband and son knew had happened. But nothing is wasted when believers walk with Christ, and I obeyed the tug on my heart and the spiritual certainty that I traveled those roads for such a time as this. It is my prayer that readers will discover and embrace their creative gifts for their role as ambassadors of the Kingdom to come!
Note to readers who color and journal: the print version of this devotional has coloring and journaling pages.

https://youtu.be/eOWzlqMSjZE

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 23

For Him and My Family, July 24

Texas Book-aholic, July 25

Bizwings Blog, July 26

Holly Jo Morris, July 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 27

Inklings and notions, July 28

Emily Yager, July 29

Godly Book Reviews, July 30

deb’s Book Review, July 31

Splashes of Joy, August 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 2

Captive Dreams Window, August 3

Mary Hake, August 3

Artistic Nobody, August 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pamela is giving away the grand prize package of Inspired Proverbs Coloring Journal, Tin of Colored Pencils, and a print copy of Inspired Artistry – Embracing the Creative Calling!!

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/fe30/inspired-artistry-celebration-tour-giveaway



My Review

Inspired Artistry: Embracing the Creative Calling (A Southern Sky Devotional) is a bit different than what I am used to in a traditional devotional. I thought this one was quite unique and refreshing to use. I loved that the author, Pamela Poole, added some of her own artwork throughout the hundred pages. Some can even be used as a coloring page. I would love to have seen her artwork in color though. I loved the colorful cover and it would have been a perfect addition of color inside. There are about twelve devotions inside the book. Each devotion includes, inspiration, scripture, encouragement and questions to be answered. The devotions are just a few pages long and can easily be done in no time. Which is perfect for those who are quite busy working, parenting, or caregiving.

I am giving Inspired Artistry: Embracing the Creative Calling (A Southern Sky Devotional) four stars.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Six Years and a Quarter Way Through by Cassandre Brissot

About the Book

Book:  Six Years and a Quarter Way Through
Author: Cassandre Brissot
Genre:  Christian Romance, Coming of Age
Release Date: April 19, 2019

Six Years and a Quarter Way Through is a story about a young woman who’s lost her way. Like many of us, Leah believed that the vision supersedes the process until, at age twenty-six, she stops believing in the vision and the one who gave it to her. Leah has lost her faith, her job, her confidence, and maybe her mind. Utterly defeated and without hope that her dreams to become a star would come true, she meets Trenton Shaw, a rich, powerful, handsome, hot-shot producer who has spent the last six years of his life trying to find her. Leah is weary of Trenton initially, particularly since he is adamant about enlisting her for a new reality show that he is putting together called “Star Quality.” However, after reasoning that she has nothing left to lose, she consents. If she wins the show, she will receive a cash prize, an agent, and most importantly a part in a brand-new feature film; even if she loses, people would still know her name.

Trent and Leah quickly fall for each other, forming an intense and sometimes volatile relationship, which only gets more complicated after she moves into the house she’ll be sharing with her costars and meets Brice. Frightened awake from a nightmare, Leah stumbles into the living room, where she finds Brice looking as haunted as she feels; he confides in her about his dead fiancée, and she in him about her nightmares and anxiety attacks. Her nightmares recur, worsening with each night as the competition intensifies and her relationship with Trent deepens. Gradually it becomes apparent that Leah’s way of getting everything she’s ever wanted may have taken her on a road she should not have traveled.

At its core, this is a story about the journey we all must take: What do we believe? How strongly do we believe it? Will that belief be steadfast in the face of temptation? Although everyone’s story is different, you only either chose to do it God’s way or your own.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Cassandre Brissot is the author of debut novel, Six Years And A Quarter Way Through. She completed her bachelor of fine arts in Television and Radio production at the City University of New York Brooklyn College. She then went on to work as a TV production assistant until becoming a flight attendant in 2014, which is the same year she was crowned Miss Black New York USA. Nowadays, she can still be found on set but in front of the cameras, though mostly as an extra, thus far. When she’s not on a set, she’s writing for her blog. She also enjoys dance parties with her young nieces and karaoke, very much.

More from Cassandre

The best part of being young is the possibilities. In your minds eye you’re the next president, or celebrated surgeon, maybe a coveted fashion designer, you might even be Superman. As a child I dreamed fanciful dreams of stardom, celebrity, vast fortune, and a handsome prince to boot. I couldn’t wait to grow up so I could start living the fabulous life I knew would be mine. In spite of the hardships of my early years, I never doubted that my life would go according to plan, when it didn’t, it just about killed me.
I received my college diploma with a dangerous amount of pride. I was certain that after one of the best years of my life, which included interning at a prominent television network, success on the pageant circuit, and getting cast in and shooting a great pilot, that the world was my oyster. I had the talent, ambition, drive, and connections. Not to mention, I knew God. Why wouldn’t things work out for me?
Nearly two years passed before I was able to gain employment-as a sales associate, in a small boutique. No one would hire me let alone cast me in a project. The pilot I’d banked all my hopes on was never picked up. Each day that went by brought me to new lows. The successes of my friends and former classmates made the pain all the more acute. I was depressed, making terrible decisions in every area of my life, and loosing it. Thinking about my shattered hopes gave me an anxious feeling in the pit of my gut. Often that feeling turned into a full-blown anxiety attack. I was fledgling and inconsolable until The Holy Spirit spoke to me. What’s more important, He asked, the fame and the money or a relationship with Him?
It’s ironic, I called myself a Christian but I never consulted Christ about my life. I prayed for better but never did I ask God what His will was for me. I wanted what I wanted. I didn’t stop there. I wanted God to bless my endeavors regardless of whether it was His will for me or not because it was mine. Everything I’d done to that point answered the question loudly and clearly. I’d lived in yearning for things not Christ. It was heartbreaking coming to terms with that, however it was also the wake up call I needed. I finally understood I couldn’t serve two masters at the same time. I decided to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and the rest of the things would come in His divine time.
The Holy Spirit taught me a lot of things during that season of my life: who you are-your character-is more important to The Lord than where you’re trying to go. Sometimes God will allow you to falter for the sake of truly finding Him, and perhaps most prominently, that nothing matters more than a true relationship with Christ. Six Years And A Quarter Way Through, was born of those lessons and the desire to honor Christ as a witness to His redemptive power and love.
Leah Albanese is a young woman who chooses the things-including the boy who is offering them-over God, but she soon learns that even when you give up on God He doesn’t give up on you.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 1

Rebecca Tews, August 2

Splashes of Joy, August 3 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, August 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 4

Inklings and notions, August 5

Simple Harvest Reads, August 6 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, August 7 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Texas Book-aholic, August 8

A Baker’s Perspective, August 9 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 10

For Him and My Family, August 11

For the Love of Literature, August 12 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 13

Pause for Tales, August 14

Giveaway

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cassandre is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Six Years And A Quarter Way Through, 1 journal (My Story His Way: Journaling your journey to a closer walk with Him), 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.com/ps/fe94/six-years-and-a-quarter-way-through-celebration-tour-giveaway



My Review: 

I thought Six Years and A Quarter Way Through was a fabulous book. I had it read one day. I enjoyed every single page. The characters were so relatable, I felt like I actually knew them. I adored Leah from the start. I could understand her struggles and how she had lost her way. She has a lot to learn and that her story teaches so many important lessons. What a great reminder that we all could learn from. Such a beautiful story of love, faith and inspiration.

I highly Six Years and A Quarter Way Through and am giving it a very well deserved five plus stars. Readers who enjoy clean fiction will love this one. I know I did. It is definitely not one to be missed. I will be looking forward to more talents of Miss Cassandre Brissot in the near future.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.