EmpowerMoms

The Great Walk 100 day Summer Challenge 5/29/22 – 9/5/22

Posted on May 22, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

My FREE “The Great Walk Summer Challenge” (based on Leslie Sansone previous walk challenge) IS BACK!!

This 100 day walk challenge starts Sunday May 29th and will end 100 days later on Monday Sept 5th! (Memorial Day to Labor Day)

1. The goal is to do at least 1 mile or 15 mins of INTENTIONAL walking every day for 100 days in a row. ***Not all days have to be intense fast walking. On rest days you should do a gentle walk/light stroll**

2. Count and record your steps or measure your INTENTIONAL walking miles per day: 2,000 steps is approximately 1 mile; 15 minutes of brisk walking that raises your heart rate is approximately 1 mile; and Walk at Home DVDs or a Walk 15® Classes will figure out the mile system for you in 15 min/1 mile sections. Check out my youtube channel for specific 1, 2, 3 and 4 mile indoor walks!

My youtube workout channel is here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpWlGzCkiZTme4efnh-4hg

3. Since this is a walking challenge: indoor and outdoor walking (gym track, treadmill), jogging, running, and specific fitness walking dvds count towards this specific walking challenge.

4. Join my private Facebook group for daily motivation and accountability here during our challenge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/290296024792860

5. Missed a day? started late? Doesn’t matter! JUST KEEP WALKING, do your best and listen to your body!

Below is your 100 day challenge tracker. Just click on the link to download the PDF:

walk challenge 100 day calendar (1)

Let me know if you have any questions and happy walking!

****DONT FORGET TO COME BACK HERE TO MY BLOG EVERY SUNDAY MORNING to get weekly youtube workout suggestions during this challenge.

“Red Cicada” by Gregg Luke REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Posted on May 19, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

WOW! This book was an interesting, fast pace suspense!

I don’t know much about biological warfare but the story was very interesting and eye-opening even though it’s considered fiction. These types of stories freak me out though and make me a little paranoid but it’s still fascinating to read. I have read a couple books by this author that also include some kind of biological warfare or medical stuff.

I liked the main characters Lance and Lana and their developed friendship as Lana is running from the Russians for some reason unbeknownst to her. Really enjoyed it-highly recommend this clean, suspenseful book!

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Twenty-eight-year-old Lana Baker knows the signs: the intense flashes of light and building pressure in her head herald yet another migraine. But this time, the unavoidable pain lands her in the hospital, where her unusual past raises more questions than answers. Her medical history is a complete mystery. Stranger still, her battery of tests reveals a shocking secret: Lana has a metal disk embedded in her skull—but she has no idea how it got there. Even more disturbing is the fact that the disk is etched with words—in Russian.Lieutenant Lance Kipling has been tracking down information on a former marine he believes may have had ties to Cold War biological weapons. So when that man’s daughter turns up in a hospital with a metal disk in her skull, it does not go unnoticed. But Lance has competition for the information stored in Lana’s head—dangerous individuals with Soviet ties.

Together, Lance and Lana follow a trail of clues her father left, bits of information that reveal Lana’s past and paint a deadly picture of a weapon that has the potential to wreak havoc on the planet’s entire population.

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“Her Amish Springtime Miracle” by Winnie Griggs

Posted on May 18, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

Her Amish Springtime Miracle JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Her Amish Springtime Miracle by Winnie Griggs, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Her Amish Springtime Miracle

Series: Hope’s Haven #2

Author: Winnie Griggs

Publisher: Grand Central/Forever

Release Date: May 24, 2022

Genre: Christian Amish Romance

In this delightful and heartwarming novel, an orphaned baby brings together an unlikely couple who learn the true meaning of family.

When Hannah Eicher discovered sweet baby Grace in her barn last spring, the adorable infant seemed like the answer to her prayers. The young Amish baker has always wanted a familye of her own and now that she’s fostered Grace for nearly a year, her adoption application is almost certain to be approved. But an unexpected visitor to Hope’s Haven could change everything…

Englischer paramedic Mike Colder is only returning to his childhood hometown to locate and adopt his late sister’s baby. But when the trail leads to Hannah and Grace, Mike’s determination falters. With Hannah, the simple life he left behind suddenly seems appealing. Despite their wildly different worlds, can Mike and Hannah give each other—and Grace—the greatest gift of all: a life together?

ALSO IN THIS SERIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Winnie Griggs is the multi-published, award-winning author of romances that focus on small towns, big hearts, and amazing grace. Her work has won a number of regional and national awards, including the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Winnie grew up in southeast Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the back of beyond. Eventually, she found her own Prince Charming, and together they built a storybook happily-ever-after, one that includes four now-grown children who are all happily pursuing adventures of their own. When not busy writing, she enjoys cooking, browsing estate sales, and solving puzzles. She is also a list maker, a lover of exotic teas, and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination.

CONNECT WITH WINNIE: Website | Facebook | Twitter

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed reading this sweet Amish fiction story about love, second chances and the importance of family.

Hannah is given a chance to become a mother when a baby is left on her doorstep. A year later as the adoption is ready to become final, complications arise that test Hannah’s faith.

Mike comes into town for a specific purpose and along the way gets to know Hannah, baby Grace and her Amish family.

I liked reading about their growing friendship and how kind and helpful they were to each other and the people around them. Their struggles with their faith and what life (Amish or English) to live was realistic and heartbreaking at times.

Mike’s struggle towards the end on whether to join the Amish community and his feelings; are the exact reason I have a hard time reading Amish fiction books. I don’t read alot of them for personal reasons that I won’t get into, other than I hate that there is no compromise in the Amish community with outsiders.

Despite my personal feelings, I read this Amish fiction book from cover to cover and enjoyed it. Great characters and small town community feeling. If you enjoy reading wholesome Amish fiction stories, I know you will love this one!

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

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a print copy of Her Amish Wedding Quilt (Hope’s Haven #1), an insulated book lover mug, a dragonfly bookmark, a home-sweet-home figurine, and a pocket nail file!

Her Amish Springtime Miracle JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 17, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 24, 2022. US/CAN only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize (*winner may select an alternative title from the author’s backlist if necessary). Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Forever on the Bay (The Off Season, 6) by Lee Tobin McClain

Posted on May 14, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

I have read several books by this author and books in The Off Season series. I enjoy hearing about previous characters in these books but each one can be read as a stand alone.

This story features long time friends Evan and Cassie; along with new characters Avery and Oliver. It has some drama, clean romance and small town feel.

Addictions and alcohol are a major subjects in the story which I personally have a hard time reading about, but personal feelings aside; I still enjoyed this book and characters. Can’t wait to keep reading more from this series.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Safe harbor and new beginnings await on the Chesapeake Bay…

Pleasant Shores cop Evan Stone has worked hard to become a man of his word, overcoming the alcoholism that sent him down the wrong path in his youth. So when his late best friend’s sister asks for his help, he doesn’t hesitate. He promised he’d watch out for Cassie, and the cottage next to his will be a perfect short-term refuge for her and her dog. The other half of that promise—to stay away from Cassie romantically—is harder to keep.

Sheltered for years because of a childhood illness, Cassie is ready to reach for what she wants. And despite her family’s warnings and her own fears, Cassie’s heart wants Evan. As the return of his estranged son puts his sobriety to the test, Cassie and Evan are drawn together, finding strength through what they’ve each weathered. She knows Evan would risk anything to protect her, but are they willing to risk the price of loving, now and forever?

The Off Season

Book 1: Cottage at the Beach
Book 2: Reunion at the Shore
Book 3: Christmas on the Coast
Book 4: Home to the Harbor
Book 5: First Kiss at Christmas
Book 6: Forever on the Bay
Book 7: Second Chance on the Chesapeake
Book 8: Secrets of Summer

About the Author
Lee Tobin McClain is the bestselling author of more than thirty emotional, small-town romances described by Publishers’ Weekly as enthralling, intense, and heartfelt. A dog lover and proud mom, she often includes kids and animals in her books. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking with her goofy goldendoodle, chatting online with her writer friends, and admiring her daughter’s mastery of the latest TikTok dances. Learn more at www.leetobinmcclain.com.

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Sea Glass Cottage (Hope Harbor, 8) by Irene Hannon

Posted on May 14, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

I have read all 8 of the Hope Harbor novels in this clean Christian fiction romance series. I feel like each book keeps getting better and better!

Although Christi and Jack have an unfortunate ending to their relationship many years ago;, they are later reunited in Hope Harbor. Both are reluctant to believe the other person has changed and are hesitant to pursue a friendship.

I loved reading how the characters grew during this story, especially Christie as she gets to know the community and gets a second chance in life. Of course Charley, his taco truck, and the seagulls are mentioned throughout the story. He is one of my favorite characters in this series!

This sweet family story includes themes like Love, forgiveness, second chances, grief and patience. Highly recommend!!!! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl’s life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she’s certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.
When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He’s built a new life on the Oregon coast–and there’s no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing her help.
Can these two hurting souls make peace with their past and open their hearts to a new beginning?

Come home to Hope Harbor–where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon delivers another heartwarming and romantic story set in the enchanting seaside community of Hope Harbor that is loved by readers the world over. Once you visit, you’ll never want to leave.

About the Author
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.