Blog Tour and Giveaway: Dial W for Wrangler by Chautona Havig

About the Book

Book: Dial W for Wrangler

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Fiction / Christian / Romance / Contemporary / Comedy

Release date: May 24, 2022

♥ Can one radio show host wrangle two hearts and help them beat as one? ♥

When Wade Garrett took over the family ranch, he knew he’d need help. He can tell you anything you need to know about breeding, raising, and selling cattle. He can even wrangle a wild horse or ten every year. He just can’t wrangle numbers into proper columns and have them all add up.

Enter Ainsley Jones. New in Sweetwater, the office manager from Los Angeles is out of her element and loves every second of it—except the moments when her boss can’t speak a civil word to her.

When Wade hears about the local Dial-a-Deal host and her ad-hock romantic advice success, he starts selling off everything he can find—even sneaks a few things out of Granny’s basement—just to have an excuse to call in and get Vi’s help.

Will this impromptu decluttering jag get rid of some of his personal baggage along with twenty sleeping bags and an antique egg scale? Enough for him to admit that she’s the one thing he doesn’t want to declutter from his life or his heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona

Stay Tuned for This Radio Announcement

“Hello there. I’m Vi Willis with Dial-a-Deal on K-SWT out of Sweetwater County, Wyoming, and have I got an update for you.

“We’ve won an award! My boss is livid that it’s not for selling the most junk in the least amount of time, but hey. Can I help it if folks are tuning in from all over the country to listen in on the heart troubles of folks around here? So far, we’re credited with three engagements, six marriages, and a whopping thirty-five saved relationships! I don’t know who nominated us for that award, but thank you!

“Now look… there’s one small problem. This really is supposed to be a show for selling your old comic book collection or that garden wagon your husband just had to have until he discovered he really hates gardening. So, when you call in, can you please be sure you have an item to sell? Di, the operator who screens the calls? She’s under orders not to let any calls through without an actual item for sale.

“So declutter the junk from your closets, your garages, your barns and what have you as you try to declutter the troubles from your life, okay? Now… I’ve got Jeff Corbin on the line, let’s see what he’s got for us today….”

And that’s how it all started.

Well, sort of. You see, I spent six weeks at my mom’s house back in late 2019. And one of the things Mom did every day was listen to the Dial-a-Trade show. She never bought a thing, but she listened. And, since I was in the room, I learned a lot about that show.

Some people seemed to call a few times a week. I finally decided they were lonely and it was how they kept a connection with other people. Others were obviously selling things out of spite—ex boyfriends, girlfriends, or spouses beware!

Basically, it was a great way to get rid of stuff and a great way to figure out what was going on in the lives of folks in the area.

So, when Lisa Prysock reminded me that she’d invited me to be a part of this series, I knew immediately that my first book would most definitely include a radio host for a sale show who just can’t help but solve people’s relational problems.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, August 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 22

Texas Book-aholic, August 23

Lots of Helpers, August 24

Inklings and notions, August 25

Holly’s Book Corner, August 25

For Him and My Family, August 26

deb’s Book Review, August 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

An Author’s Take, September 1

She Lives to Read, September 1

Blogging With Carol, September 2

Simple Harvest Reads, September 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Sodbuster Living, September 4

Spoken from the Heart, September 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/20e10/dial-w-for-wrangler-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Dial W for Wrangler is the seventh installment from the multi author series, You Are on the Air, and, also, Chautona Havig’s contribution to it. I always enjoy her books and this one is no different. I thought it was a pretty good read. I found that Wade and Ainsley’s story was a delight. I enjoyed the faith element of it and being inspired by it. I liked it!

I am giving Dial W for Wrangler four and a half stars. Readers who enjoy reading books with clean romance will want to snatch this one up. I look forward to reading the next installment from the You Are on the Air series, Elaine Manders’ Dial D for Daring. 

I received a digital copy of Dial W for Wrangler from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour: Life's Journey our Greatest Test by Marshalee Patterson

About the Book

Title: Life’s Journey our Greatest Test

Author: Marshalee Patterson

Genre: A Contemporary Christian Novel

Release Date: October 3, 2021

Synopsis

When Brady lost his brother, John, he felt his entire world crumble. All their plans went up in smoke, and soon his life took a turn for the worst; one he had not seen coming.

When his uncontrollable rage landed him in the Lexington Prison, he lost all will to live. However, his grandmother Ruth, being the devoted Christian woman that she was, never gave up on him and kept praying for him.

Walking around town shortly after his release from Lexington, Brady was pleasantly surprised when he stumbled upon Sara in a partially burnt abandoned building. Thinking that being a good Samaritan to her, could help him make right with God for all the wrong he had done in his life, he later discovered Sara was more of a blessing to his tortured life than he was to her.

Will this unlikely union bring them peace and seeing God’s promises fulfilled in their lives?

Q& A

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I am a born and bred Jamaican from the city of Kingston. Went to an all-girls high school and had the best principal-Mrs Martin. Although she was strict, she taught me how to value myself. I was married but now a widower and I love Italian food, nature and Spanish ballads.

2. How did you become interested in writing?
I loved reading stories since I was very young. However, high school was where I began to write stories and loved doing it. That creative side of me came to life when I was introduced to classic literature such as Jane Eyre and A Tale of Two Cities, which are still two of my favourites.

3. What compelled you to write a book on this subject?
The subject matters in this particular book did not come from me but from the Holy- Spirit. To be honest, I didn’t know what this book was about when he came with the image of a young man leaving prison. But as I allowed the Holy Spirit to work through me in building this story and bringing the two subject matters to life, I can say that for anyone who has been a victim of interfamily rape and drug abuse, this story is meant to bring you healing and restoration.

4. What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book?
That being a victim of drug abuse or rape means that you stay in that place of isolation and feeling rejected. God sees you and is with you and he used me to write this book to bring you healing. It was not an easy book to write, took me to emotional places I didn’t know, as my deceased husband was a drug addict at one point in his life too and I was there through that.

5. Are there any other themes present in the book?
Well, you will see the theme of forgiveness, redemption and restoration in this story as well.

6. Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?
Yes, don’t let your beginning determine your end. Use the tragic circumstances to build yourself up and lift others when you get stronger.

7. What makes your book different from any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?
Well, I think because God put this particular seed in me to bring forth, I am the only one who could bring this story to life the way it needs to for the right readers to find the message it carries and be healed and delivered by it.

8. How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?
Writing is my ministry and not just to entertain but to bring healing and deliverance to readers lives, and this book reflects exactly that. What I have learned since my first book is that, the Holy Spirit is my partner in writing and he comes with the ideas for each story. I have to rely on him and prayer has to be first, before I can start a book and when that is done the story flows.

9. Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?
I love the entire Psalms 27 but verse 1 is one I stand by a lot. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

10. When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
I like to spend time in my garden. I find that planting helps me understand how to have better faith and waiting.

About the Author

When Marshalee Patterson left high school and started working, she thought she was cursed. She would look at her life and compare it with some of her high school friends who seemed to be achieving the things she wanted. That is—marriage and kids.

​That desire led her to seek things her own way and not wait on God and it resulted in many shameful and painful experiences that she hid from everyone. She struggled to forgive herself and to also embrace God’s mercy, thinking she wasn’t deserving because of her weakness to the flesh. She felt cheap and not good enough.

​Years later God revealed his plan for her life and it was to write books; books that would bring healing and deliverance to people’s lives. Each book she wrote she realized had a theme and that they were drawing from her own past experiences- the same past she wanted to stay hidden and buried. But as she wrote each book she saw herself healing from whatever trauma mentioned in that book. It was then that she realized, as shameful and painful as her past was, that God had a plan for it.

They were the blueprint for her stories, experiences readers can relate to and the process through which God carried her to find healing and deliverance was how her readers would as well.

​Marshalee Patterson is a Christian Fiction Author of life-changing books that have spiritual warfare and romance. Her goal is to see her readers gain the advantage of how to be victorious against Satan’s tactics and exposes some of the devices he uses.

She is a lover of nature and its tranquillity. She finds nature refreshing and peaceful. She loves different cultures, especially Spanish, which she feels make us learn to appreciate ours a little more in areas where we have been ungrateful or unappreciative. She loves salsa music very much and dances it well too. She is a proud Jamaican.

Connect with Marshalee

Website: https://bit.ly/3P6FlaI

Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/3QGOpDK

Add to GoodReads: https://bit.ly/3wjJhfM

Add to Bookbub: https://bit.ly/3dlrVtw

Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3C5xpTwv

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3A0EuSD

Links to Buy

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pnRrkN

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3wkVlgU

Blog Stops 

August 22nd - Beauty in the Binding (https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com)

August 23rd - Emily Kopf (https://emily-kopf.com)

August 25th- Reading is my super power (http://readingismysuperpower.org)

August 27th- Lock, Hooks and Books (www.amybooksy.blogspot.com)

August 28th- Marshalee Patterson (https://marshaleepatterson1.wixsite.com/christianbooks/blog/categories/book-updates)

August 30th - Felix Felicitated (https://felixfelicitatedblog.wordpress.com)

August 31st- Wall to wall Books (https://wall-to-wall-books.blogspot.com/p/authors.html)

September 1st- Britt Reads Fiction (https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com)

September 2nd- Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama (www.musingsofasassybookishmama.com)

September 3rd- Cats in the Cradle Blog (https://catsinthecradle.blog)

September 4th- Batya's Bits (https://batyasbits.home.blog)

My Review: 

Life's Journey our Greatest Test: A Contemporary Christian Novel is another fabulous piece of fiction by Marshalee Patterson. She has a way of drawing her readers in and make them see themselves in the characters. I loved Brady and Sara’s story so much. I could understand Brady’s struggles and was hoping he would find the the peace he so desperately needed in his life. Such a great tale to read. 

I am giving Life's Journey our Greatest Test: A Contemporary Christian Novel a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading faith filled stories, as well as, clean romance with true to life characters. As always, I will be eagerly waiting for more books by Marshalee Patterson in the future. 

I received a digital copy of Life's Journey our Greatest Test: A Contemporary Christian Novel from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Hunter's Rose by Carole Brown

About the Book

Book: Hunter’s Rose

Editor: Carole Brown

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense

Release date: August, 2022

It’s the late 1800s, and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought. He’s never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her?

Rosita’s past is haunting her emotionally. She adores her new husband, but she’ll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn’t trust him, but she’s worried for his life. Her loving family in Mexico came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. But can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she’ll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?

After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—cares nothing for God or any man. His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when. He has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it.

And Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of thirteen full-length, best selling and award winning books (with a novella in an anthology), she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

More from Carole

Characters that Walk Off the Page

One of my favorite things when writing a new book, is to create the characters. When I wrote the first book in this series, there were quite a few comments about Hunter and Maria, the cook. Readers wanted to read a book about Hunter—Hunter’s personal story. It was a nice affirmation because I’d already decided that the second book would be about Hunter, his love life and the trouble that created the tension in the book.

 

Hunter is a fun character. With his father murdered while Hunter was just a child, he very well could have been abandoned to fate. Only another young person’s intervention saved Hunter. He grew up to be a man that was both strong and trustworthy. He’s a bit quick-on-the-trigger (as the saying goes) but he’s also smart, loyal, not a bit stuck on himself, and overwhelmed that a beautiful Mexican girl like Rosita DeSantis could fall in love with him. He has the determination to protect her and the ability to give her pretty much anything she wants—without seeming pompous.

 

Rosita came from a rich, loving family who adored her, and as an only child was entitled to the family inheritance. Having to abandon that life, she was determined to pursue a different life style even when enduring hardship and fear. Nevertheless, she is a sweet, friendly and a loyal friend to those around her. She knows her own mind, yet is not pushy or obnoxious in her efforts, whether it be love or in scorning the man who insists he wants her back. Rosita is both smart and a real lady.

 

Carlos De Leon, the villain, on the other hand, is one of those persons who has everything: money, prestige, excellent features and education. Yet he lacks the character to realize that it’s not always possible to have everything you desire. Determined to have what he wants and when, he is not afraid to sacrifice the people who he deems is hindering his quest.

 

And then, there are the secondary characters: those who support and somehow create interest, not only in themselves but in keeping a reader’s interest in how and when the main characters will respond to them.

 

Could it be the downright good-looking Jackson, who is quiet and withdrawn, has a story? His support of Hunter, the tell-tell signs of his education, and the absence of any real knowledge of his past encourage the reader to imagine who he really is.

 

Then there’s Gabrielle Autumn Mayfair, a quiet, rather shy girl who is more of a follower than a leader—until it comes to a man who catches her attention. Her friends worry that she may get hurt, but Gabrielle is more persistent than either of her best friends realize. This blondish-redhead has an endurance that may prove favorable—or it might end in a tragic heartache.

 

Sully, Old Peete, Nicolas, Susie and Maria—characters that flavor the reading and add some laughter, tension and mixed feelings about their possible hindrance or helpfulness.

 

Characters—one of the best and most fun parts of a book. I hope you readers will get to know the characters in Hunter’s Rose and love (or hate) them as much as I did when creating the story.

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 20

Texas Book-aholic, August 21

Inklings and notions, August 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 23

For Him and My Family, August 24

By The Book, August 25 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, August 25

Betti Mace, August 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 27

Connie’s History Classroom, August 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 30 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 31

Pause for Tales, September 1

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 2 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and 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/20e0e/hunter-s-rose-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review 

I really enjoyed the first book from Carole Brown’s Troubles in the West series, Caleb’s Destiny, and have been waiting for the release of the second installment, Hunter’s Rose. I was far from being disappointed. I thought it was great. Since it is part of a series, I believe it would be best to read the books in order. I thoroughly enjoyed Hunter and Rosita’s story. I thought the faith element addition to it and I found it to be quite inspirational. 

Hunter’s Rose will be getting five stars from me. Readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction will want to pick this one up. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book from the Troubles in the West series to see what happens next. 

I received a digital copy of Hunter's Rose from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Book Blast and Giveaway: The Madness of Mercury by Connie di Marco

This post ispart of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Connie di Marco will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The Zodiac Mysteries feature San Francisco astrologer, Julia Bonatti, who never thought murder would be part of her practice. In The Madness of Mercury, Julia’s outspoken advice in her newspaper column, AskZodia, makes her the target of a recently-arrived cult preacher who advocates love and compassion to those less fortunate. But the power-hungry preacher is waging war on sin and his Army of the Prophet will stop at nothing to silence those who would stand in his way. Julia is at the top of his list.

 

Read an Excerpt

“Thank God you’re there.” Gale sounded very shaky.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m at the Mystic Eye. Something very strange just happened. I heard a knock at the back door. I thought it might be you.”

“Are you alone?”

“Yes. I closed up and sent Cheryl home. When I opened the door . . . oh God, Julia. Someone left a dead cat on the doorstep.”

I cringed. “I’ll be right there.”

“I’m sorry. You don’t need to come. I wrapped it up and put it in plastic in the dumpster. It looked like its neck had been broken.”

“Don’t argue. I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Less than that.”

I drove the length of California Street as fast as I could, slowing at each red light. Once I was sure no other cars were crossing I ran through several intersections. When I reached the Eye the shop was closed but the display lights were on in the front windows. I pulled down the alleyway and parked next to Gale’s car. I tapped on the door. “Gale, it’s me.” She opened the door immediately. The storeroom was dark. A stack of empty boxes and packing materials stood against the wall. Inside, the only light was a small desk lamp in the office.

Gale is tall and self-assured with a regal bearing. Tonight she was completely shaken. She hugged her arms, more from fright than from cold. “I feel bad now that I’ve called you. I was just so freaked out. I recognized the cat, it was the little gray one that hangs out behind the apartment building next door. I think it’s a stray. Everyone around here feeds it, even the restaurant people, and it’s such a friendly little thing. Some sick bastard probably gave it some food and then snapped its neck. God, I think I’m going to be sick.”

“Shouldn’t you call the cops?”

“And tell them what? I found a dead cat? Please. Like they’d listen. Even if they thought someone had killed it, what could they do?”

“It shows a pattern of harassment. Might be worth making a report.”

She sighed. “Yeah. You’re probably right. I just wasn’t thinking straight. I was so upset.” She collapsed in the chair behind her desk.

I shrugged out of my coat. “Why are you here so late?”

“We just got a huge shipment of books and supplies in. Cheryl’s been working late every night so I sent her home. I had just finished stacking the boxes in the storeroom.” Gale shivered involuntarily. “Look, let’s get out of here. Have you eaten? Why don’t we go up the block and grab some food? Actually a drink sounds even better.”

“Okay.”

“Get your coat. We can leave the cars here and walk. I’ll just get my purse.”

I headed to the front door and checked that the locks were all in place. The drapes separating the display windows from the shop were drawn for privacy. Gale left the desk lamp on in the office and walked out to the front counter. As she reached under the counter for her purse, we heard glass breaking. Then I saw a flash of flame through the doorway to the back storeroom. I screamed. The empty boxes and packing materials had caught fire in an explosive flash. The smoke alarm started to ring, filling the shop with earsplitting sound. Using my coat like a blanket, I dropped it over the center of the flaming pile. It wasn’t going to be enough, but I had to do something before the entire storeroom went up, if not the building.

About the Author:

Connie di Marco is the author of the Zodiac Mysteries featuring Julia Bonatti, a San Francisco astrologer who never thought murder would be part of her practice: The Madness of Mercury is the first in the series. Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the author of the national bestselling Soup Lover’s Mysteries from Penguin Random House. You can find her excerpts and recipes in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. Connie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, The Crime Writers Association and Sisters in Crime.

Website
BookBub
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Amazon
Barnesand Noble
IndieBound

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review

The Madness of Mercury starts off the Zodiac Mystery series by Connie di Marco. It is, also, my first experience in reading this author’s books. I thought it was a good read. I thought Julia was a fun character in getting to know. The plot had some unexpected twists and turns I could not predict. It was a delight to read. 

I am giving The Madness of Mercury four and a half stars. Book lovers of cozy mysteries will want to grab this one up. It is definitely worth a read. I would be interested in reading the other and upcoming releases from the Zodiac Mystery series in the future. 

I received a digital copy of The Madness of Mercury from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.  

Blurb Blitz and Giveaway: Home to Clare Harbor by Jacie Middlemann

 

Home to Clare Harbor

by Jacie Middlemann

 

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GENRE: Clean Contemporary Women's Fiction - Christian

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BLURB:

They started out as strangers…but didn’t stay that way for long…

 

A devoted granddaughter willing to do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe.  Strangers who meet during the worst of conditions and become friends in the midst of chaos.  Unexpected romance under the most unlikely circumstances.  A puzzling mystery with its roots in historical events that took place centuries ago. And a storm that hides an ominous purpose that could change all their lives forever.

 

Sara knows before she walks into her grandparent’s home that her grandmother’s greatest fear will never be the storm or the threat it poses but instead the unknown that lays just beyond her front door. She knows too its cause and grieves that there is nothing she can do to change it.

 

Throughout the years of his career John has covered numerous battlefields including those that are a result of nature’s unyielding tempest.  He fears this might be the worst one yet.

 

Mel didn’t expect to spend more than a few days in the large house where they’d taken refuge.  She figured the storm would pass by and then they’d be off to their next assignment.  The last thing she expected was David Payne.

 

Despite the fact that Lance was the bane of her teenage years, Tish knows that without the help of her father’s assistant, that the trip to North Carolina likely would have been a lot more challenging than it was. She’d been unequivocally terrified but his presence gave her strength she didn’t realize she had.  She wasn’t certain how she felt about that…or him…or that he no longer irritated her the way he used to.

 

When Gary arrived at his family’s home in the mountains of North Carolina, he’s relieved that Sara and her grandparents along with their elderly friends are already there. But he is unable to take an easy breath until Tish finally arrives with Lance…and is not at all surprised at what he hears from Lance about their trip and the potential dangers they’d just barely been able to avoid.

 

He’s determined to do everything he can to keep their location safe…and unknown. Their knowledge, skills, and ingenuity are their greatest defense. For a time they would have to depend on themselves…it hadn’t take long to discover that the storm was never their greatest threat…but what is could change all their lives for the immediate future…or longer.

 

If you enjoy uplifting and heartfelt women’s fiction, young and older heroes and heroines filled with courage and compassion as they share joys and triumphs, and united they face and overcome tremendous challenges and tragedy, this book is for you. 

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NOTE: The book is on sale for $0.99.

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EXCERPT:

“I’m so sorry, dear.  I know I’m being foolish,” Maisie said quietly. 

“No one could ever accuse you of being foolish, Grandma,” Sara said meaning every word.  “We’re in a scary situation that none of us have ever been in before.  You’d be far more foolish if you claimed it didn’t bother you.”

“It’s not just the storm,” Maisie admitted slowly but she kept her eyes steady on those of the young woman sitting next to her. 

“Tell me, Grandma,” Sara asked softly.  She knew sometimes if her grandmother was able to give voice to her fears it helped to diminish them. 

Lord only knew that she’d talked with enough professionals to learn ways that could successfully help her grandmother to cope with the many fears that too often held her in their grip.  She knew at the moment the primary one came from not being in familiar surroundings…not being in her own her home.  Everything else was peripheral to that. 

But at the moment there was little she could do to remedy the greatest of her fears. 

“I won’t be able to go home, will I?”

The trembling voice that was filled with so much more than just fear broke Sara’s heart.  She knew it was the exact same fear of so many others who were her grandmother’s age. 

“Oh, Grandma.” She wrapped her arms around the frail shoulders that had once been so strong and sturdy.  They had been her buffer against the world for so many years during her childhood and all the years after.  She could do no less for her now. 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jacie Middlemann lives in Texas with her husband and a couple of cats who believe they rule…and sometimes they do.

When she’s not watching classic sitcoms or working on a needlework project for one of her kids, she loves to read women’s fiction and sometimes a good mystery suspense.

https://www.amazon.com/Jacie-Middlemann/e/B00J87TCGE

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7793731.Jacie_Middlemann

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09MDHKCT6

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GIVEAWAY:

Jacie Middlemann will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review Tour: Sophie Washington: Treasure Beach by Tonya Duncan Ellis

 Sophie Washington: Treasure Beach 

by Tonya Duncan Ellis

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GENRE: Children's Middle Grade

 

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BLURB:

 

A message in a bottle leads Sophie Washington and friends on a seaside treasure hunt in this exciting, illustrated chapter book adventure. It's summertime, and Sophie, her best friend, Chloe, and her younger brother, Cole are spending two fun-filled weeks in Corpus Christi, Texas with her young-at-heart grandmother. A surprise discovery on a day out at the beach takes them on a quest for riches. During their search, the kids snorkel, encounter endangered sea turtles, visit a World War II warship, and learn that honesty and true friendship are worth more than gold.

 

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EXCERPT: 

 

Building a sandcastle is like mixing a batch of cookies. You have to measure the ingredients precisely. Too much water, and it’ll be gooey. Too little, and the sand won’t stick together, and it will crumble.

 

My best friend Chloe and I have been working on ours all morning. We carefully pack our buckets with sand, make a sturdy base, and even carve in windows and shingles on the roof. It’s starting to remind me of Cinderella’s castle at Disney World. 

 

“Back off, Cole!” I warn my little brother when he kicks sand in my face. He’s hopping around with Granny Washington’s metal detector, trying to find some treasures. 

 

“I think I found something, Sophie!” He starts to shovel in the area where I was going to build a moat. 

 

It’s the second day of our vacation at my grandmother’s house in Corpus Christi, Texas, and we’re spending it at the beach. Cole and I come here for a couple of weeks every summer, and this year, our parents let me bring my best friend Chloe along after I begged for days. 

 

Mom and Dad are at home in Houston having own their vacation. When we FaceTimed them last night, they were on their way out for a date at a fancy restaurant. 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the award winning, bestselling, Sophie Washington children's book series, geared toward readers ages 8 to 12, and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Her independently published books have been featured in the Houston Chronicle and the Baltimore Sun and have seen over 70,000 downloads and sales in the United States, India, Canada, and Great Britain. She has worked as a journalist and a freelance magazine writer, and is a graduate of Centre College of Kentucky and holds an M.B.A. degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

 

The twelve book Sophie Washington series stars a sweet and sassy African American preteen from Houston, TX and her diverse group of friends. Each funny and heartwarming story teaches lessons about friendship, responsibility, truthfulness, and perseverance.

 

Tonya loves to travel and has visited 49 American states, 20 countries, and three continents, but some of her best journeys have been between the pages of a novel. As a girl she could always be found with a book in her hand, and reading is still one of her favorite hobbies. When she's not reading or writing, the author likes to ride her bike, swim, and spend time with her husband and three children. She lives in Missouri City.

 

https://tonyaduncanellis.com/

https://twitter.com/tonyadellis

https://www.facebook.com/tonyaellisbooks

https://www.amazon.com/Tonya-Duncan-Ellis/e/B0762ZB3BN

 

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GIVEAWAY:

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review:

Sophie Washington: Treasure Beach is another great book for young readers by Tonya Duncan Ellis. It was fun catching up with Sophie and her friends once again. This time they are at the beach in Texas and learn about the valuable lessons of the environment, relationships and what is more important in life. I loved every single page and a great story to share with other young readers. 

Sophie Washington: Treasure Beach will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of eight and twelve and enjoy reading books on adventure and friendships. As always, I will be looking for more Sophie Washington books. 

I received a digital copy of Sophie Washington: Treasure Beach from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.