Mini-Review: In The Shadow of Croft Towers

28 Nov

With murderers, smugglers, and spies on the loose, nothing—and no one—at Croft Towers is what they claim. Can one woman even trust what she knows about herself in this Gothic Regency romance?

When Sybil Delafield’s coach to Croft Towers was robbed by highwaymen, she should have realized that her new position as companion to old Mrs. Chalcroft would be no ordinary job. Upon Sybil’s arrival, Mrs. Chalcroft sneaks into her room in the dark of night, imploring her to relay messages to town that are to stay hidden from the rest of the family. Who exactly is she working for and what do the messages contain?

When fellow passengers of the robbed coach are later murdered, Sybil’s hunt for the truth takes on a new urgency. The only person she can rely on is Mr. Sinclair, Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, but under all his charms he too leads a double life. Sybil must decide if he is the one honest voice she can trust, or if he is simply using her for his own advances.

Croft Towers holds more than its share of secrets . . . and Sybil is determined to uncover them all.

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.

My Impressions:

For a debut novel, In The Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson is pretty impressive. I found this Gothic-Regency romance to be very well-written and highly entertaining. There are plenty of mysterious doings — secret letters, highwaymen, murders — to keep a reader engaged, while a very plucky main character and a swoony hero satisfy all the romantic longings. I loved the first person account by Sybil Delafield, especially as she interjects her dry humor onto her account. The setting is perfect to accompany the suspense — moors and a mouldering old house. And the cast of characters cannot be trusted to reveal their true motives — I loved trying to figure out their secrets too.

A quick read, if you enjoy historical romance with a good dose of mystery, this one is for you. I can’t wait to read Wilson’s other books!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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Guest Review from Super-Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

27 Nov

When I first started blogging, I had no idea that I would connect with so many wonderful people! Authors, other bloggers, reviewers, and readers extraordinaire have crossed my path and enriched my life over the past 10 years. One such person is Rebecca Maney. Rebecca and I have very similar reading preferences — and we consistently rate books the same. Rebecca and I first connected through a number of FB readers’ groups, and then met in person while standing in line at the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat back in April. Today, she is sharing a review of her favorite book (and, of course, one of mine 😉 ) of 2019.

Rebecca’s review of The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright first appeared on Goodreads back in January. It says a lot that it is still her favorite of 2019. Here’s what she thought of this dual timeline, suspense-filled novel. Thanks, Rebecca, for sharing today!

 

Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, in 1908. When clues lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a post-mortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother–who is battling dementia–compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman who haunts the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns–and with it, Heidi’s fear for her own life.

As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, can they overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined?

Rebecca’s Review:

“You are the reason the voices are never heard . . . come . . . come quickly.”

Two women, separated by time and eternity, yet inexplicably drawn together by a postmortem photograph and a cryptic letter crafted by one whose mind has become crippled beyond recognition. Both are determined to find answers to the question that continually rages in their minds; “who am I”?

Dorothea Reed, orphaned at a young age and now a postmortem photographer, is drawn to the small town of Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin to search for clues about her birth mother, never imagining the trail would lead to the front door of a local mental asylum whose residents simply live in order to die. And then there are the unexplained sightings of a local woman who has been dead for years, the cursed Misty Wayfair.

One hundred years later, Heidi Lane returns to her home town of Pleasant Valley after being summoned by her aging mother. Heidi has a myriad of questions about her past that she’s not sure her remaining parent can answer; for it appears that someone, or something, is determined to destroy Heidi’s thin thread of equilibrium. And what about that old photograph; the one she happened upon in the town’s antique store, the woman could be her twin.

It’s so rare to read a book with this many layers . . . and yet every single one of them carries its own weight so beautifully . . . . while together they appear as a single thread. It’s magnificent to behold.

“Fix your eyes on the target and let the arrow fly. The rest will follow.”

*****

Rebecca Maney is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children’s Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four “nearly” grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the “beauty of story”. You can find more of Rebecca’s reviews over at Inkwell Inspirations.

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Reading Road Trip — The Christmas Edition!

27 Nov

With Christmas right around the corner, I though it would be fun to travel to some fun settings that feature Christmas — A Merry Christmas Road Trip! The books I have chosen are novella length — perfect for the busy holiday season — and feature actual Christmas road trips or are set in towns with a definite Christmas-vibe. I hope you enjoy the journey!

 

Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson

Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn’t always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, “Where’s the snow?” Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista’s Christmas spirit before the big day?

The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that’s exactly what she’s getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix — in the dead of winter, no less — the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Besides, a crazy trip with Joy would be more interesting than another Christmas home alone. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off to Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride — and a hidden problem that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it’s going to be an exciting ride!

The Christmas Town by Donna VanLiere

Lauren Gabriel spent many years of her childhood in foster homes, wishing her mother would come back for her and be the family she needs. Now twenty-years-old, she still longs for a place that she can truly call home. Her work as a cashier is unfulfilling, and at Christmas it’s unbearable with the songs and carols and chatter of Christmas that she hears throughout the day.

When Lauren ends her shift one night, she finds herself driving aimlessly in order to avoid returning to her lonely apartment. And when she witnesses a car accident she is suddenly pulled into the small town of Grandon, first as a witness but then as a volunteer for the annual fundraiser for Glory’s Place, a center for single mothers and families who need assistance. Could this town and its people be the home she has always longed for?

An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti

On the way to Christmas with his family, Micah asks Katie to marry him. She says no, but there is no getting out of Christmas now. The Binder family celebrates every Christmas as if it were their last. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it’s Christmas.

 

 

 

An Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson

For Colleen, life is spinning out of control. She just lost her husband, and her relationship with her young adult son Jamie is crumbling. Should she confess to him the secret that has been haunting her for twenty years? Jamie has a few secrets of his own. When he announces his plans to join the military, Colleen decides it’s time for the two of them to take a trip together — to Ireland. The truth they discover there could fulfill both their dreams in a way neither ever thought possible.

 

A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck

College volleyball star Avery Truitt has not seen her former flame, Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom, since he suddenly pushed her away five years ago. But now, the sadness of losing her father and the joy of her sister Susanna’s pregnancy have brought Avery back to Brighton just in time for Cathedral City’s enchanting Christmas season.

Avery knows she can’t avoid seeing Colin — now the Kingdom’s most eligible bachelor — whether or not her heart is ready to relive the pain. But seeing him again might bring her the closure she needs after all this time.

When Colin finds himself at the center of a centuries-old Brighton tradition, he must decide whether to follow the path laid out before him or follow his heart to the only woman for whom he would ring the Pembroke Chapel Bell.

Can Colin convince Avery to meet him at the chapel on Christmas morning — as tradition dictates — or will Avery run back to her St. Simons home and pursue a coaching career as planned?

A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs

Reluctantly returning home for the holidays, Meg Campbell receives a frosty reception from her family and decides to leave for Edinburgh. Delayed by a snowstorm, she pours out her heart to a secretly hurting traveler named Gordon, who asks all the right questions. Can they find healing in each other—and perhaps something more?

 

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Happy Release Day! — Misleading Miss Verity

26 Nov

Happy release day to Carolyn Miller! Her newest Regency romance, Misleading Miss Verity is now available. If you are a fan of historical romance, you definitely need to check this one out.

Verity Hatherleigh has a mind of her own — but her actions do not impress her viscount papa. When she gets into one scrape too many, he sends her off to the wilds of Scotland to rethink her headstrong ways.

Anthony Jardine relished his role as curate, but his new duties as laird of Dungally aren’t always to his liking. Though he thought his new inheritance would be a blessing, somehow he’s finding nothing but trouble on these estates. And the intelligent, compassionate, feisty lass who was sent to rusticate in his territory is one of the biggest problems. He’s falling in love with her, but she doesn’t share the faith that’s his foundation—not to mention he’s been lying to her about who he really is. For the truth-loving Verity, that may be unforgivable.

The tangled web these two have woven may spell disaster for their happiness — and for the tenants of Dungally

Carolyn Miller is an Inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with her husband and four children. Carolyn loves reading (especially Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer), music, films, gardens, art, travel and food. She really enjoys creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love.

 

 

 

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Book Review: The Story Peddler

26 Nov

Selling stories is a deadly business

Tanwen doesn’t just tell stories — she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.

During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king’s guard hunts her down . . . and they’re not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she’s not the only outlaw in the empire. There’s a rebel group of weavers . . . and they’re after her too.

 

Lindsay A. Franklin would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives in her native San Diego with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their three geeklings, three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats), and a stuffed wombat with his own Instagram following. You can find Lindsay on social media, too, if Wombatman hasn’t hijacked all her accounts. She’s @LinzyAFranklin on Instagram and Twitter, and she Facebooks at www.facebook.com/LindsayAFranklin.

 

My Impressions: 

The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin is the best kind of fantasy — one in which the author masterfully creates a new world that is different enough to engage and intrigue the reader, yet has a touch of the familiar to allow the reader to enter effortlessly into its world and story. I can hardly believe that this YA/Adult novel is a debut — it is one of the best of the fantasy genre I have read and one of the best books overall from my reading this year. It is a very highly recommended read.

The country of Tir is the setting of this highly imaginative novel. It has a medieval feel which I love. The country is ruled by a tyrannt king who suppresses his people’s thoughts and expressions. After taking the throne years before, he systematically changed the history and mythology of the country by limiting what artisans, including storytellers, could share. Entering into this scenario is the story peddler, Tanwen, whose heart will not allow her to stay on the proscribed narratives. Part of the story is told from her 1st person perspective, while the other half is told through the 3rd person perspective of Braith, the princess and heir.

Franklin’s descriptions made me feel a part of the story. The characterization is very strong as well, as she introduces us to a varied cast of characters. The story is part adventure, part romance, part coming-of-age, and all so very, very good. The most unique aspect of the book is the way Tanwen tells her stories. My words won’t do it justice — just know that you will be as mesmerized and enchanted as Tanwen’s audiences. The theme of art, whether painting, song, or story, as a means to reveal truth is beautifully depicted.

I really loved The Story Peddler! Perfect for YA and adult readers alike, it is a must-read for fans of fantasy,

Very Highly Recommended.

Audience: YA to adult.

(I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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Guest Post — Carole Jarvis, Blogger at The Power of Reading

26 Nov

I connected with Carole at The Power of Words early in my blogging. We participated in many of the same blog tours, and our opinions consistently lined up. We started a back and forth comment communication, and our friendship grew. In her reviews, Carole always says what I wish I had said! Her reviews are insightful and cover everything you need to know about the book without anything extraneous. I get lots of my reading recommendations from Carole. If you don’t follow her already, I urge you to visit her blog. You will love it!

Today, Carole is sharing about her love of books, the creative arts, and her blogging journey. Thanks, Carole, for being a great book friend and for helping me celebrate today!

Guest Post — Carole from The Power of Words

When I first stumbled upon the world of blogging, I was immediately drawn to Beckie’s By the Book and discovered many wonderful books thanks to her recommendations. In addition to sharing a common faith and love for books, the fact that we are southern gals who live in the same state (Georgia) makes our connection even more special.  

I am honored and humbled that Beckie invited me to participate in her ten-year celebration. In reflecting on what to write about, I decided to simply share a little about my love for books and hopefully, in the process, encourage some who read this to become bloggers. 

While I love the creative arts, I’m not a writer; in fact, writing is painfully hard and slow for me most of the time. I’m a musician and have been a church pianist for 56 years. This picture was taken at my daughter’s wedding, which I played for, just before she moved to Germany for eight years to lead a campus ministry – and I can’t think of a better profile picture.

My Mom helped me cultivate a love for reading at an early age by bringing me a Bobbsey Twins book twice a month on her paydays ($1.25 in hardback at the time) – and then on to Cherry Ames, Judy Bolton, Nancy Drew, and Agatha Christie. Then something incredible happened in my late teens when I discovered that books not only entertained, but that many had the power to touch and change lives. Here are a few novels of the past that deepened my faith and literally redirected the ministry path my life took as a young adult, stories that earn the highest of recommendations (titles linked to their Amazon page).

The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas

Dear and Glorious Physician (the story of Luke) by Taylor Caldwell

In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon

The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson

 

Many years later, I discovered the seasonal catalogues of Christian Book Distributors. While I poured over every page, it was their “New and Recommended” section in the middle on which I mainly focused, and I discovered some absolute gems there. Below are five such books that again earn my highest of recommendations, read when the writing of reviews wasn’t even on my radar

Coldwater Revival by Nancy Jo Jenkins

Saving Sailor by Renee Riva

Daughter of Liberty by J. M. Hochstetler

William Henry Is a Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke

Sutter’s Cross by Dale Cramer

So how does someone who hates to write become a book reviewer? I’m still asking myself that, actually. Bottom line, it was books like the five mentioned above that made me want to somehow let everyone know how incredibly wonderful they were. A friend encouraged me to start a blog where I shared my love for the creative arts – books, music, and artwork. Knowing that detailed reviews like high school and college demanded weren’t the answer, I started searching online for how to write a book review, compiled the best ideas, and came up with what worked for me. Beckie has been not only a friend, but a great encourager – and there are many more like her in the blogging community. So, if you’ve ever wanted to really support authors and share writing that inspires you, let me encourage you to try blogging. It’s easy, fun, and there’s a strong network out there. It may sound trite to say that if I can do it, anyone can, but that’s just about the case.

It was in 2012 that I began this journey and I wanted to share some of my favorite books from those first 2-3 years of blogging. These are all outstanding and have a clear spiritual message (titles are linked to my reviews).

Lost and Found by Ginny L. Yttrup

Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert

In Broken Places by Michele Phoenix

The Air We Breathe by Christa Parrish

When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley

The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson

A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti

I’ll end with a tribute to a personal friend who just happens to be a very talented author, Dale Cramer. Although not currently writing, two of his novels won the Christy Award and all are excellent. Dale and I went to the same church during his years of publication and it was great to share in his book signing at the release of his last book in 2013, Though Mountains Fall.

Beckie, thank you so much for the honor of being on your blog. You are a skilled reviewer of great integrity, as well as a cherished friend, and I wish you many more years of blogging.

*****

Thanks so much, Carole, for sharing from your heart. And I know that my readers have a great list of book recommendations now too!

Wife, mother, pianist, avid reader, Christ follower, Carol Jarvis blogs at The Power of Words.

 

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Top 10 Tuesday — Thankfulness

26 Nov

This week’s Top 10 Tuesday is a Thankfulness Freebie. All month I have been celebrating my 10 Year Blogiversary which has spurred a lot of reminiscing — last week I blogged about reading changes over the past 10 years. Despite some tragedy and disappointments that my family has seen, there has been plenty to be thankful for. Our 3 kids are finished with school and gainfully employed. 😉 One child is married with a baby on the way. My husband and I have embraced the empty nest and now have great memories of places visited and fun experiences. And of course I am thankful for all the bookish goodness in my life.

Books have always played a huge role in my life. I remember as a child sitting in front of the bookcase pulling book after book off the shelves to read. I especially liked the encyclopedia that featured far away lands and peoples. (I am definitely showing my age now!)

So today, I am recounting what I am thankful for in my reading life.

 

 

Top Bookish Thankfulness

 

Parents who nurtured my love of reading. I always got a book for every holiday and birthday. Trips to the library were the norm, and bookstores were a shopping destination.

A husband that indulges my hobby 😉 . My husband teases me about all the books that have piled up over the years despite my diligence in giving them away. Nose in a book is a common phrase as well, but like my parents, he sees my bookish habits as a positive. I have even succeeded in bringing him over to my side of things — he regularly listens to audiobooks now.

Children who like to read. While I don’t always share the reading choices of my kids — technical articles for the engineer, non-fiction for the therapist, and theology for the attorney — I am so glad that they regularly read. My work here is done 😉 .

Modern book technology. I love listening to audiobooks on my morning walks and during road trips. And my Kindle (I am on my third) was one of my favorite gifts ever.

The Christian fiction book community. When I started my blog 10 years ago, I would never have dreamed where it taken me. I love the interactions with publishers, authors, bloggers, and readers, both online and in person. It has been truly wonderful and a blessing.

My book clubs. What started out as a way to talk about books, has developed into caring relationships. Yes we still talk about books, but our friendships have deepened along the way.

My blog readers. I am especially thankful to those who visit my blog everyday. Your comments have encouraged me and let me know that someone really does care about my opinions. To that end, my 10 Year Blogiversary Giveaway is for you! Check out the link to the giveaway HERE.

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Guest Post and Giveaway! — Kimberley Woodhouse

25 Nov

I am so thrilled to have my friend, Kimberley Woodhouse on the blog today. She and I are both celebrating a ten year milestone — my blog and her 10 years of published novels! I have so enjoyed Kimberely’s books. In The Shadow of Denali provided great research 😉 for my trip this past summer to Alaska! And her books in the Daughters of The Mayflower series are fabulous for history and adventure.

Giveaway!

Kimberley is generously giving away 2 of her novels — The Express Bride and Under The Midnight Sun. I will randomly select 2 winners from the comments on this post. (Please, US addresses only.)

 

Thanks so much, Kimberley, for making my celebration extra special!

Guest Post by Kimberley Woodhouse

First off I have to say a HUGE congrats to Beckie for ten amazing years of blogging!

Beckie’s blog has been a go-to for me for many years. I’ve often found my next read because of her blog. And I can’t even begin to express to her my gratitude for all she does for authors and readers. Her love of the written word shines through, and it is such a privilege to know her in our writing/reading community.

My publishing journey started about twenty-five years ago when I started writing seriously. Granted, it was just for myself at the time — a way to use up all the creative juices I had going. But it was a fun and oft times difficult road from the penning of that first novel. Children, homeschooling, two kids who had some pretty serious health issues, and a lot of craziness made up a journey that is remarkable for me to look back on today. 

So as Beckie is celebrating ten years of blogging, I’m celebrating ten years of being published. That blows my mind. And I find myself wondering how I got here. It’s truly a marvel. A blessing. With lots of thanks to bloggers including Beckie.

Up to this point, I have twenty published books. God is so good. And this tenth year has brought three novel releases, Under the Midnight Sun (January 2019), The Golden Bride (April 2019), and The Express Bride (July 2019), and a novella collection that will release on December 1 – The Sew in Love Collection. To make this year even more celebratory, Out of the Ashes finaled in the Spur Awards this spring, The Patriot Bride won The Reader’s Choice Award this summer, and my novella MissTaken Identity in the MissAdventure Brides Collection won The Carol Award in September. 

A lot of people ask me how I got started… well, to be honest, I got started writing because I loved to read. Have always been an avid reader. Then a college professor told this little music major that I was a storyteller. Then a few years after I had been writing and no one knew because I hadn’t told anyone, a friend found some of my stories when we were packing to move to the mission field. She confronted me and told me that I was “hiding my light under a bushel” and that I “better do something with it…” 

The rest is now history. 

Ten years.

What a joy to share that with Beckie and all of you. 

Here’s to ten more years. 

And ten more after that. And maybe even ten more after that…

I’m game. How about you?

For the JOY of story,

Kimberley 

******

Kim is a devoted wife and mother, and a third generation Liszt student.  She has passed down her love of music and the arts to hundreds of students over the years, recorded three albums, and appeared at over 2,000 venues. Her quick wit, enthusiasm, and positive outlook through difficult circumstances have gained her audiences at conferences, retreats, churches, military functions, and seminars all over the country.

The Woodhouse family’s story has been on the front page of newspapers, in magazines, articles, medical journals, and most famously featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They were also asked to share their story on The Montel Williams Showand Discovery Health Channel’s Mystery ER along with hundreds of other TV appearances and radio interviews.

Kim has been writing seriously for more than twenty years. Songs, plays, short stories, novels, picture books, articles, newsletters – you name it – she’s written it. It wasn’t until a dear friend challenged her to “do something with it” that she pursued publication. Now, she is a best-selling author of more than fifteen books, with more on the way.

She is passionate about Bible study, reading, music, cooking, and pretty-much-all-things-crafty. Kimberley has been married to her incredible husband for a quarter-of-a-century-and-counting and they have two adult children.

https://kimberleywoodhouse.com 

https://facebook.com/kimberleywoodhouseauthor

Instagram.com/kimberleywoodhouse 

Twitter: kimwoodhouse

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The Cracking of Monday Egg Blog Tour

25 Nov

The Cracking of Monday Egg JR Blog Tour
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for The Cracking of Monday Egg by B.T. Higgins, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Cracking of Monday Egg by B.T. HigginsTitle: The Cracking of Monday Egg
Author: B.T. Higgins
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Release Date: November 21, 2019

An Egg World Allegory

The Maker created Monday Egg for a very important reason. Monday just doesn’t understand it yet. Being an egg with arms and legs has its advantages. Monday can run like the wind and climb trees easily, but he is an egg. What happens when he cracks?

The Cracking of Monday Egg is the story of a cranky crow, a sick little girl, a kind squirrel, and Monday’s struggle to deal with his own crackability.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christianbook

 

EXCERPT

A rush of wind pressed the new spring grass against the ground, and in that moment Monday Egg dropped. The bump woke him up. He’d never felt before, so the non-violent drop really caught his attention. 

“I don’t like that,” Monday Egg decided. “I don’t like it at all.” 

Then the wind pulled back and the young grass rose up around him. Monday watched the green sprigs sway in the natural wind and he decided he liked the green grass and big blue above it. 

“This. I am sure that I like this.” 

As the morning sun rose Monday Egg listened to the sounds of the world. Birds chirping, bugs crawling, leaves whispering, and one more thing. A distant thing. It sounded like a voice, low and calm. 

“I like that sound.” Monday Egg confirmed. 

“Good Morning,” said the voice. 

Monday Egg looked around and saw no Body, but the voice was clearly some Body. 

“Hello,” whispered Monday, “I like the green grass and big blue.”

“Sky. The big blue Sky.”

 “Yes. It is wonderful.”

“You have excellent taste. The sky is one of my favorite things too,” said the low voice.

“When I look at it closely, it seems to swallow me up completely.” Monday Egg thought about it for a moment. “Is that normal?”

“That is what the sky is designed to do. Swallowing you up. Taking your breath away. Calming your yolk,” said the voice.

“What is a yolk?” 

“It is your inner part. The part that can feel the big, blue sky. Your yolk is especially big, so you can feel the sky more than others. Don’t forget to enjoy the sky, Monday Egg.”

“Oh. How could I forget,” said Monday Egg, and then fell softly into a mid-day nap.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

B.T. Higgins

 

B.T. Higgins lives in the wild urban jungles of Alaska with his wife and four children. As you might expect, he is an avid fan of long naps and noise-canceling headphones. He has been a garbageman, a propane technician, a teacher, a tutor, a musician and an exotic-bird-cage scrubber, but writing stories is, by far, his favorite job.

CONNECT WITH B.T.: Facebook

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card & free collection of short stories by the author!

The Cracking of Monday Egg JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 22, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 29, 2019. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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

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*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Book Spotlight and Author Q&A + A Giveaway! — Considering Others

23 Nov

About The Book

Book: Considering Others

Author: Jungu Olobia

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living / Personal Growth

Release Date: March 4, 2019

Front cover Considering Others

Good manners and etiquette begin in the home, or wherever a child is taught or mentored. From an early age, children learn how to behave, and as they grow, how to interact in their relationships at school, church, and in their communities. Though etiquette varies between cultures, practicing good manners is a kindness that extends across cultures, because the way we treat one another matters. 

We want to raise and train our children in safe, healthy environments, but the daily encounters of a fallen world make it challenging. Much has been written on good etiquette, but this practical, captivating book points readers to Jesus Christ as the Lord and the Holy Spirit as the Teacher of good manners, clearly illustrating that the Bible is the Life Manual for good behavior that comes from God’s heart. 

From biblical examples to personal examples, reflection verses and practical steps, and prayers and Scriptures to pray over children, Considering Others: Good Manners to Glorify God will help parents, teachers, and mentors shape and develop godly character and good manners in children so they may lead healthy, successful adult lives in their sphere of influence around the world. And there’s plenty of takeaways for adults too! 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About The Author

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Jungu Olobia is a wife and mother, with two degrees in business and informational technology. A Sunday school teacher for over sixteen years, she teaches children ages three to twelve. She enjoys volunteering in her children’s school and in her community. She and her pediatrician husband live with their two sons in Keller, Texas.  

 

More from Jungu

As parents and guardians, we want to raise and train our children in safe, healthy environments, but the daily encounters of a fallen world make it very challenging. Much has been written on good etiquette, but how many books point to Jesus Christ as the Lord and the Holy Spirit as the Teacher of good manners? After almost two decades serving and teaching as a Sunday school teacher, about a decade working in an IT position at a College, and with much encouragement from my beloved pastors and family, I wrote Considering Others: Good Manners to Glorify God.  Thank you so much for joining me today! It has been such a privilege and honor to be with you. We all love and care for our children very much, so thank you for allowing me to talk about my book, Considering Others: Good Manners to Glorify God. Writing my first book has been a walk of faith that has been both painful and joyous as I found out a lot more about my family history and how much I needed to pray!  Thank God, however, for His love and gift of His son, our Lord Jesus.

 Here is a question for us: What legacy do we want to leave our children?  Proverbs 13:22 tells us that good people leave an inheritance to their descendants. That scripture speaks to more than a financial or natural inheritance. It also speaks to passing on virtues that build character.

Q&A With Jungu

By The Book — Many authors say that they have always been a writer. When did you come to realize this? 

Jungu — I came to realize I should write a couple of years ago when after working on an etiquette class for my church’s children’s ministry, my pastors began encouraging me to pursue writing. 

BTB — Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

Jungu — Yes, looking back I recall some of my college professors encouraged me to pursue writing; however, it was my pastors that really encouraged and challenged me to pursue writing.

BTB — What types of research did you pursue? 

Jungu —

Various Bible versions to get a better or deeper understanding of a story, a character or topic.
Online Christian resources such as the biblegateway.com
The Bible Concordance.
Other authors’ books and works such us by Derek Prince, my personal favorite.
Medical studies and journals by the American College of Pediatrics. I also leaned on my husband’s pediatric experience and knowledge.
Family and national history.
Other studies and journals on education, family, by respected study-groups, colleges, etc.

BTB — What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule? 

Jungu — As a busy wife and mother, I’d say I’m more of an informal writer. I write best when it’s quiet or when the family is fast asleep, which means I write mainly late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

BTB — Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about? 

Jungu –– I love children, so my next project may be writing some children’s storybooks! 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 14

Mary Hake, November 15

Vicky Sluiter, November 16 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 18

Creating Relationship, November 19

Artistic Nobody, November 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 21

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

By The Book, November 23 (Author Interview)

janicesbookreviews, November 24

A Reader’s Brain, November 25

All 4 and About Books, November 26 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, November 27

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jungu is giving away a copy of Considering Others to two winners!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

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