Book Tour and Giveaway ~ Rediscovering Christmas by Mindy Obenhaus ~ 11/27/2024

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Rediscovering Christmas by Mindy Obenhaus hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Rediscovering Christmas
Series: Hope Crossing #6 
Author: Mindy Obenhaus 
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: November 26, 2024 
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance 

She feels she’s lost everything… 

Will love give her hope? 

When a wildfire destroys her home, widowed schoolteacher Tori Stallings finds herself unexpectedly living with her mother- and brother-in-law—and struggling with her faith. With everything Tori owns consumed by the blaze, Micah vows to help his late brother’s wife and son rebuild their lives. The two of them have always been friends, but living under the same roof has their friendship turning into something more. Can love bloom amid tragic loss and shaken beliefs, and give them a fresh start for Christmas?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in Series:

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About the Author

Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching heartwarming romance movies.

Connect with Mindy visiting mindyobenhaus.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Rediscovering Christmas and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 25, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 2, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/25/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I want to take a moment to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving (here in the U.S.A.)!  It is going to be a short, but busy, week for me and I wanted to let everyone of you know how thankful I am that you've taken a moment out of your day to stop by and visit :) 

Now, here's to the week ahead!

The weather outside is:

We had our first snow on Thursday/Friday of last week!  It didn't stay long but it made it's presence known.  I'm not sure if I'm ready for the cold/snow/ice..I better get ready, I guess :)  The 7 Day Forecast is starting the week off with weather that doesn't look too bad but by the end of the week, we're going to feel the COLD!

On today's to-do list:

I don't work at my part-time job today so I'm planning on being a homebody.  I have bills to send, laundry to fold and Christmas market prepping to do.

Happening this week:

I only work Tuesdsay (CPR Training) and Wednesday this week.  My job seems to be going well and I'm getting settled in and more familiar with my daily tasks.  I want to shout-out to my wonderful co-workers:  Janice, Julie, Bridget, Sydney and Kay!  I truly believe that the people you work with make the job either pleasant or unpleasant and so far it has been great.  I'm a bit nervous about the CPR training on Tuesday, but I guess I'll be alright...  Hopefully!

THANKSGIVING!  We're having dinner at my brother and sister-in-law's house as we've done the past several years.  Kelly (my SIL) has been working crazy hours so I hope she can enjoy the time off of work.  

BLACK FRIDAY!  Laken is really looking forward to going to Altoona shopping on Black Friday and braving the crowds.  I doubt we'll go at the crack of dawn but probably head out around 8am.  Hopefully we'll still get some deals.  

Currently reading:

***I'm going to be starting to read "Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters for a book club that will be meeting on November 21st.  It is described as "a suspense that happens at Christmas-time".  I'm looking forward to diving in!***

Thankfully, the book club meeting has been moved to November 27th, as I didn't get the book read yet.  I'm still going to do my best to read it and join in with the discussion.

Listening to:

While market prepping, I listened to this video on how to Bible journal.  Enjoy!

Watching:

The hubby, Laken, Nate and I actually went to the movie theater Saturday night!  We saw Gladiator II.  It was a good movie but I'm not sure if it beats out the original Gladiator with Russell Crowe.  We went to Chik-Fil-A afterward.  We had a good time.  Next we want to see Moana 2.  It comes out on Wednesdsay, but I don't know if we'll make it back to the theater so soon to see it this coming weekend.

In the Kitchen:

I've been very mediocre in the kitchen lately.  I've not created anything out of the ordinary to share.  The hubby did pick up a 1/2 bushel of apples for $5 at the farmers market, so we're planning on making apple dumplings sometime soon.

In the Craft Basket:

As mentioned, I've been working on items for the Christmas vendor show coming up on December 14th.  I've made about 25 ornaments and have been making some crocheted toys as well.  Some of the items I've made are kittens, octopuses, snowmen/women, turtles, frogs, and granny square chickens.  I'll add a picture if I get the chance. 

Picture(s) from the Camera

A painting Kaylee created to sell at the vendor show.

Prayer Requests

~I need to get into a good routine of work, home and self-care.  I've been a bit scattered lately and need to find my self-discipline again.

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.  LORD, Your faithful love endures forever; do no abandon the work of Your hands."  Psalm 138:8

Have a great week!

Colletta

Book Tour and Giveaway ~ The Darkness Deepens by Sara Davison ~ 11/22/2024

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Darkness Deepens by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Darkness Deepens
Series: The Day Draws Near #2
Author: Sara Davison
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Genre: Dystopian Romantic Suspense

Their secrets protect them... but secrets are hard to keep. 

No one in the army can find out that Captain Jesse Christensen has become a believer. He and bookstore owner Meryn O’Reilly are forced to meet in secret, facing imprisonment—or worse—if they are found together. 

As their relationship deepens, so does Lieutenant Gallagher’s hatred for the Christians in their city, putting all believers, especially Jesse, in extreme danger. 

Meryn wants to give her heart to Jesse fully, but her past holds her back. Although circumstances conspire to keep her silent, she needs to tell him her secret so nothing will stand between them anymore. 

 But when he finds out what she has been keeping from him, nothing will ever be the same.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Sara Davison is the author of five romantic suspense series as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara at saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of The Darkness Deepens plus a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 18, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 25, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Blog Tour ~ When Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson ~ 11/15/2024

Welcome to the Blog Tour for When the Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: When the Mountains Wept
Series: West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm #1
Author: Kendy Pearson
Publisher: Pear Blossom Books
Release Date: April 8, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

CAPTIVATING CIVIL WAR FICTION INSPIRED BY HISTORICAL EVENTS 

Amid talk of war, Augusta Dabney tends her younger siblings and dying father. But when hatred sparks tragedy, peace is but a shattered memory. Heartbroken and desperate, Augusta searches for a way to protect all she holds dear. 

Defying family and friends, Dr. James Hill declines a prestigious commission in the Confederate Army to join the Union cause as a Regimental Surgeon. When the Dabney farm becomes a crossroads of colliding forces, Major Hill commandeers their barn for a hospital. 

He is running from his legacy, seeking penance for his past. 

She is desperate to preserve hers, at any cost. 

As a wise, former slave nurtures James’s battered faith, cynicism crumbles, and James discovers grace and belonging with Augusta and her family unlike any he’s ever known, even as he must face the horrors of war and the evil it breeds. 

But when James comes face to face with his past, secrets unravel until deception ends in disaster, leaving Augusta with only one option. 

And it is unthinkable.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Books2Read | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

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About the Author

Kendy Pearson is a veteran high school teacher and an accomplished musician. She is also a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. When she discovers a pocket of American history omitted from the schoolbooks, she enjoys digging in and turning that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through real historical events and settings; engaging with period personalities—and she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God's undeniable grace. Kendy is an eight-time award-winning author and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. She also relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

Connect with Kendy by visiting kendypearson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed copies of When the Mountains Wept and When Heaven Thunders, a character named after you in book 3, In Tempest Winds, and a signed copy of that book once it releases!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 18, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 11/11/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I missed last week's HHM post.  Time just got away from me!  It is Saturday night as I'm sitting down to start typing this post.  I figured while I have time and have it on my mind, I better get it underway.

I want to wish a HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY to all those who served in the Armed Forces including my Dad!  Thank you all so much for your service :)

Now, here's to the week ahead!

The weather outside is:

It was unseasonably warm a few days this past week.  As is typical in PA, I had to put my car's heater on in the morning and A/C on in the afternoon.

This coming week looks more November-ish.  Look at that 27F on Tuesday night.  I'm going to have to start going out to my car early to defrost the windows!  I'm definitely not ready or looking forward to that...

On today's to-do list:

On Monday's to-do list is Laken's room.  She's off school and I'm off work for Veteran's Day, so I told her I'd help her clean.  Of course, that will be AFTER we sleep in :)

Happening this week:

I've started my regular work schedule of M-W-F from 10am until 5pm.  So far, I'm loving it!  I'm learning my new job and my co-workers are wonderful!  That is always an important aspect to any job.  And being that I'm only working part-time, I feel like I still have time to get my homemaking accomplished even though I'm still working on getting into a routine.

I signed up for a Christmas Vendor/Craft Show with Kaylee as my sidekick.  I'll be working in my "spare" time to get things made and ready by December 14th. 

Also, Thursday is my Mom's birthday so we'll be celebrating!

Currently reading:

I'm going to be starting to read "Better Watch Out" by Natalie Walters for a book club that will be meeting on November 21st.  It is described as "a suspense that happens at Christmas-time".  I'm looking forward to diving in!

Listening to:

His goodness and mercy will follow us all of our days.  Enjoy!

Watching:

Not really anything this week except for the election on Tuesday evening into the wee hours of the morning.

In the Kitchen:

We had a Veteran's Dinner Saturday at Church for the Veterans of our community.  We had a great turn out!  Food and desserts were prepared by the ladies.

Other than that, I made a few quick suppers this week.  I really want to be more intentional about my time in the kitchen this week.  I might make an Oatmeal Cake on Monday.  Yummmm....

In the Craft Basket:

I'm currently working on crocheting Christmas Ornaments.  Kaylee is going to paint a few paintings to add to the mix if she gets time.  Here are a few pictures of our last show :

It was a very small area to try to lay out all the items but we managed :)  If you think of any items that you think I should add to my table, please let me know in the comments.

Picture(s) from the Camera

Prayer Requests

~Laken has been quite sick this past week.  She is perking up now but she missed the whole week of school.  I'd appreciate your prayers that she is well and good to go back to school on Tuesday.

~Thanks that Kaylee and Shawn traveled to Wisconsin for a wedding and that they made it safely home Saturday.

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders.  (continued)

Bible Verse

"Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord [i]forever."  Psalm 23:6 (NASB)

Have a great week!

Colletta

Blog Tour ~ An Ode to Poison by Lisa E. Betz ~ 11/8/2024

Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Ode to Poison by Lisa E. Betz, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: An Ode to Poison
Series: Livia Aemilia Mysteries #3
Author: Lisa E. Betz
Publisher: Breakthrough Christian Publishing
Release Date: October 21, 2024
Genre: Historical Mystery

What do death by poison, a ruthless senator, and a poetry party have in common? 

They combine to draw Livia Aemilia into her most dangerous investigation yet. She must risk setting foot in the house of her worst enemy, Senator Tiberius Gracchus, to investigate the death of his wife. (Don’t worry, she has a plan.) 

The victim’s sister is convinced Gracchus is the killer. If so, proving his guilt in Rome’s law courts could put a stop to his nefarious threats forever. 

Livia is sure this investigation is God’s plan to protect her family from their malicious enemy. And maybe it will finally convince her husband Avitus that God is real. 

The more Livia and Avitus dig, the more it looks like they will finally bring Gracchus to justice. Until another victim is poisoned, and everything they think they know is turned upside down. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

More Books in This Series

 

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About the Author

Lisa E. Betz is an engineer-turned-mystery-writer, entertaining speaker, and speaking coach. She inspires others to become their best selves, living with authenticity, and purpose, and she infuses her novels with quirky characters who thrive on solving tricky problems. Her Livia Aemilia Mysteries, set in first-century Rome, have won several awards, including the Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (2021). She and her husband reside outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Scallywag, their rambunctious cat—the inspiration for Nemesis, resident mischief maker in her novels. Lisa directs church dramas, hikes the beautiful Pennsylvania woods, eats too much chocolate, and spoils her grandsons.

Connect with Lisa by visiting lisaebetz.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed set of all 3 Livia Aemilia Mysteries in paperback!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 4, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 11, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

November 2024 ~ TBR

In October 2024, I finished 8 out of the 12 books I had planned.  Not as many as I wanted but still pretty good as far as I'm concerned.  Here's what I hope to read in November:  

And there it is.  My November TBR list.  8 books in all.  

Have you read any of these books or are any on your future TBR pile/list?  Let me know in the comments!

Book Tour and Giveaway ~ Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen ~ 11/1/2024

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Terminal Danger
Series: Guardians Unleashed #5
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Genre: Christian romantic suspense

This woman and her K-9 are being hunted.  

Exactly as she planned. 

When a busload of schoolchildren disappears, Phoenix Gray knows the kidnapper is the unidentified serial killer she’s spent her life trying to catch. This time, she’ll find the killer and bring him to justice no matter what it takes. She and her Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency join the search for the hostages, but they aren’t the only ones who want the criminal captured. 

Callum Ross, an FBI agent who specializes in catching serial criminals, is about to resign. But not until he finds one last culprit, the killer behind a famous twenty-year-old crime Callum vowed to solve. 

Despite the FBI agent’s uncanny understanding of her psyche, Phoenix refuses to be distracted from her goal. When the serial killer turns into the cat instead of the mouse, Phoenix thinks she’s ready. But will she need the God she rejected to achieve the justice she’s given her life to obtain?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

     

My Thoughts:

Review to come!

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About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Connect with Jerusha by visiting jerushaagen.com to find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting stories, follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Terminal Danger, a Terminal Danger mug, $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, Terminal Danger magnet, plus more swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 28, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 4, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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