EmpowerMoms

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory…
The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ’s finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

…and our good
We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God’s grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget. Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides (Tyndale), is a CBA bestseller. She writes contemporaries, historicals, and cozy mysteries, serves on the executive boards of Serious Writer, Inc. and the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy. Johnnie lives in Oklahoma with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon.

CONNECT WITH JOHNNIE: Website | https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr

Cornerstone message from the collection:

One of the first verses I ever claimed as my own was Proverbs 31:25. The translation I love most reads: Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.

The first part of the verse is almost a mantra, a phrase I repeat to myself when I need courage. Maybe I’m faced with something as simple as a phone call I don’t want to make. Or maybe the situation is much more serious. An ectopic pregnancy. Family tensions. Divorce. A dying parent.

Life takes courage. And at the heart of courage–true courage–is trust. We can smile at the future, no matter what difficult, frightening, horrible situations we face because of God’s steadfast love and His promise of eternal life with Him.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Favorite place to read: I love to read in my comfy spot on the sofa. My little papillon Rugby curls up on the leg rest, and I usually put down the middle console which has a cup-holder for my drink. It’s all very relaxing and cozy.

Favorite book character from childhood: I have so many, but if I must choose one I’ll go with Encyclopedia Brown. I read all those books I could find when I was a kid.

Favorite movie: I’m not sure I ever answer this question the same–I have so many favorites, it’s always hard to choose just one. Today’s choice . . . Captain America: Civil War. And just about anything starring Cary Grant.

Favorite quote or Bible verse: “Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.” Ecclesiastes 11:7

Favorite splurge/treat: Going to the movies!

Favorite character you’ve created: This is a toss-up between two of my heroes: Ian Devlin from Where Treasure Hides (WWII historical) and AJ Sullivan from Where She Belongs (contemporary). Ian is known for his heart-flipping grin, and both guys have a mischievous streak. Both are strong, capable, and upright. AJ needs to overcome a childhood of loss, deceit, and painful grief. Ian has his own burden and confronts horrific circumstances as a WWII soldier.

Last 3 great books you read: We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels; The Divide by Jolina Petersheim; Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

Dream vacation: I’ve been blessed to take a dream vacation already. My sister and I flew to Barcelona, traveled by train through France, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain, then spent a week in Lisbon. It was the best trip ever! My new dream vacation is to visit the Pacific Northwest. Or New Zealand (Middle Earth!).

Hidden talent/little-known fact: I’ve been known to choke on, among other things, a giant Sweet-Tart, water, and . . . air!

Plotter or pantser: Depends on the story–I truly do both. I recently wrote a novella based on nothing more than the back cover type blurb I submitted in the proposal. But I also write novels for a particular publisher based on the chapter summaries I’ve created. I’ve discovered that the more planning I do upfront, the easier it is to write the story.

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) :

1. Sunshine through a window.
2. Dandelions.
3. Sprawling trees.
4. Freshly-squeezed lemon juice in a glass of ice-cold Pepsi.
5. Hugs from the grands.
6. My collie’s deep “sighs” (You have to hear it to “know” it!)
7. Typing “The End”
8. Blank books.
9. My adult kids laughing about childhood memories.
10. Surprise blessings.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

• Where She Belongs
• Pieces of Granite
• Lifelines
• Christmas on a Mission
• Vigilant
• Other Side of the River
• The Third Grace
• Carolina Grace
• The Benefit Package (a devotional)
• Dance of Grace
• When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

“The Emerald Heart of Courtenay” by Anita Stansfield
I have read several of the author’s books (and loved them!) but this one wasn’t one of my favorites unfortunately. It was pretty slow moving throughout most of book so I had a hard time staying interested.

I liked the main characters especially Sarah and the story line was fairly interesting. There was definitely some intrigue and suspense during the book as we as readers are left wondering who poisoned Lord Courtenay, why is the sword so important, and who is trying to harm Sarah??

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
The moment her father takes his final breath, Sarah Courtenay becomes the sole heir of her family’s sprawling castle—and something far more unexpected. For on his deathbed, Lord Courtenay left his daughter a cryptic message: a dark curse will fall upon the house should Sarah fail to obtain and protect a priceless treasure. Sarah’s astonishment upon discovering the carefully hidden sword sparkling with jewels is nothing compared to the shock she feels when she learns the nature of her father’s death: he was poisoned. And now, Sarah herself might possess something worth killing for. Desperate to avoid her father’s fate, Sarah flees the only home she’s ever known, taking with her a loyal maid and a hired bodyguard, who will stop at nothing to protect the beautiful woman in his care. From the safety of a remote farm, Sarah finds a renewed measure of peace and hope for the future. But the sinister weapon that glitters amid her belongings in that small farmhouse beckons a shadowy enemy, one who will not be deterred from taking everything from Sarah—including her life.

Purchase your copy here:

Biography
Anita Stansfield has been a queen of romantic fiction for more than a decade. Her work has shattered the stereotypes of romance novels with her trademark ability to combine great storytelling with intense psychological depth as she focuses on the emotional struggles of the human experience. Her novels cover a huge spectrum, from the eighteenth century to the present, from heart warming to heart stopping. Hundreds of thousands of readers agree: Anita Stansfield’s characters and the lives they lead are not easy to forget. Anita also writes mainstream historical fiction (Horstberg Saga) under the name Elizabeth D. Michaels. The first book in that series is called Behind the Mask. You can see her Elizabeth D. Michaels books on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J23ZXF8.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory…
The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ’s finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

…and our good
We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God’s grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janice L. Dick was born and raised in southern Alberta, Canada, into an ethnic Mennonite farm family. She has always loved stories of family heritage and the emigration of her people from Russia. Her aim is not only to share the faith journeys of her forebears, but also to showcase God’s sovereignty in the midst of that milieu. Besides historical fiction, Janice writes contemporary novels and short stories, blogs, articles and book reviews. Janice is the winner of the 2016 Janette Oke Award.

CONNECT WITH JANICE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Cornerstone message from the collection:

I believe that God is faithful through all things, even when it doesn’t look that way. He does what he does, and is not accountable to anyone, but his love and mercy hold us up.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Favorite place to read: On the couch, with the fireplace going, if it’s chilly.

Favorite book characters from childhood: Nancy Drew, Jo from Little Women

Favorite movies: Ever After, Indiana Jones…, National Treasure, Pride & Prejudice

Favorite quote or Bible verse: Psalm16:5-6 “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”

Favorite splurge/treat: Anything dark chocolate.

Favorite character you’ve created:  Debbie Doram McCormick (The Christmas Sweater)

Last 3 great books you read: Wings of the Wind – Connilyn Cossette, A Trick of the Light – Louise Penny, anything by Chris Fabry, also love Sara Rosett.

Dream vacation: Driving with my hubby wherever the road leads, for weeks!

Hidden talent/little-known fact: Used to ride a Goldwing (as a passenger).

Plotter or pantser: Plotter; I love lists and charts.

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : My hubby, my kids, my grandkids, books, did I mention dark chocolate, low-maintenance friends, lol humor, freedom in Christ, green grass and trees, my home.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

• Where She Belongs
• Pieces of Granite
• Lifelines
• Christmas on a Mission
• Vigilant
• Other Side of the River
• The Third Grace
• Carolina Grace
• The Benefit Package (a devotional)
• Dance of Grace
• When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Reunited with the Cowboy
(Heroes of Shelter Creek #1)
By Claire McEwen
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
July 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She can save his ranch…

But can he forgive her?

Maya Burton knows she’s the last person rancher Caleb Dunne wants to see. After all, she survived the crash that killed his sister, and then left town. Now she has to convince the stubborn cowboy that she can help him save his ranch. But once she earns his trust—and his heart—will she be able to walk away?

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo

About the Author

Claire McEwen writes stories about strong heroes and heroines who take big, emotional journeys to find their happily-ever-after. She lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When she’s not writing, Claire enjoys gardening, reading and discovering flea-market treasures. She loves to hear from readers! You can find her on most social media and at www.clairemcewen.com.

Website│Goodreads│BookBub│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends July 24, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Yours Truly, Thomas” by Rachel Fordham
I read the other book that the author wrote that took place in Azure Springs (The Hope of Azure Springs) so I was looking forward to reading this one. The book description sounded intriguing and I liked the main character Penny. I liked her determination, love for writing and her quest for deep, meaningful love.

Unfortunately, the book didn’t keep my interest so I only read about half of it because I felt like the plot was dragging.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people’s mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more–a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn’t expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny’s undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring–perhaps too much–for the one who wrote it.

Purchase your copy here:

About the Author
Rachel Fordham is the author of The Hope of Azure Springs. She started writing when her children began begging her for stories at night. She’d pull a book from the shelf, but they’d insist she make one up. Finally, she paired her love of good stories with her love of writing and hasn’t stopped since. She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.