#TuesdayTreasure: Grin With Grace by Kathy Carlton Willis blog tour

Good Morning Friends,

Please accept my apologies for no Saturday Spotlight, I was moving stuff out of storage and was unable to post. Never fear though, this Saturday Brooke Lynn will be back with her book, Raised by Strangers.

Meanwhile, enjoy today's treasure, Grin with Grace by Kathy Carlton Willis. You may recognize Cathy from her promotion company, Kathy Carlton Willis Communications, well.. Grin with Grace is Kathy's book

It Might be Time to Grin with Grace!

Have you ever felt the need to bite your tongue or grit your teeth? With humor and candor, popular women’s speaker Kathy Carlton Willis explores ways to smile in the face of adversity and challenging circumstances. Her go-to phrase Grin with Grace is the title of her latest book. She explores the word “grace” in Scripture, revealing how God’s grace blesses us and how it impacts our relationship with Him and with others.

Grin with Grace is part of the Grin With…Bible Study Series. This line of books is designed to help women on the run focus on a central theme. The “study, story and steps” formula helps readers assimilate new traits in small sections, all the while anticipating the next insight.

“You can never have too much of God’s grace,” says Kathy. “While writing this series, I dealt with multiple health issues, surgeries, cancer, and hospitalizations. At the same time, I moved to a different town, diving in to a new church ministry with my husband. Very little in life seemed familiar or comfortable. But God infused grace into each challenge and turned them into opportunities.” Kathy learned anew what the Bible means when it says:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)

Quote from Chapter 7, Grin with Grace: 
God’s grace strengthens us to live the lives He directs us to live. When we’re weak, grace makes us strong through Christ. His grace is not frail; it’s power-packed. 
– Kathy Carlton Willis

There’s an important element about grace. It’s not meant to be hoarded, regardless of its wonderful value. Once God blesses us with grace, we are then recruited to His team to be instruments of His grace to others. Grin with Grace tells stories of real-life grace and gives suggestions for creating new grace moments for others. Every Bible passage is contained in the text, accommodating ease of reading anytime, anywhere. Read it straight through as a book, use it as a personal study, or join with a group to discuss the material together. The chapters are short enough to combine—resulting in a seven-week group study.

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More about Grin with Grace

Release Date: May 1, 2015
Retail: $14.99
Publisher: AMG
ISBN-10: 0899574785
ISBN-13: 978-0899574783

Praise for the Book:
Grin with Grace is perfect for women on the run, since there is no set daily reading schedule. The blend of humor, transparency, biblical concepts, word studies and opportunities to plug what I learned into my life gave me a fresh approach to doing my devotions or reading a Bible study.
Dr. Thelma Wells (Mama T)
President of A Woman of God Ministries
CEO, That A Girl & Friends Speakers Agency Speaker, Author

Each chapter features five sections:

• Grin with Grace contains real-life stories and observations. You’ll laugh at the humorous confessions and wacky insights, and relate to Kathy’s transparent honesty. Be inspired to see grace in your everyday life.
• Grow with Grace features a grace word study. Kathy examines Bible verses and personalizes the meaning to your situation. Workbook prompts allows you to write down your thoughts as you read along.
• Go with Grace offers life application. Pick one action step and make it work for you, or pick all of them—but do something to live out your grace-walk.
• Give with Grace advances life application further, equipping you to become an instrument of God’s grace to others. You’ll be inspired to take what you’ve learned and give it away to others. This is when faith becomes ministry—when your focus expands to see the needs of others.
• Your Grin with Grace Challenge describes a grace-challenging scenario to give you an opportunity to exercise your newfound grace. It allows for speculation and judgment calls, to prepare you for the what-ifs that happen in life.
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About the Author:
Kathy Carlton Willis writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. Not many funny girls also have Bible degrees! Kathy’s a pastor’s wife, which gives her plenty of opportunities to grin with grace. She shines the light on issues that hold women back and inspires their own lightbulb moments. Almost a thousand of Kathy’s articles have been published in books, magazines, newspapers and online publications. Kathy’s tagline describes her best: Light & Lively: His Reflection/Her Laughter. Kathy lives with her pastor/husband, Russ, in Rockdale, Texas.

WEBSITE: www.kathycarltonwillis.com
TWITTER: @KCWComm

#TuesdayTreasure: The RePurposed & UpCycled Life by Michelle Rayburn

Good Morning Friends & Welcome to the first Tuesday Treasure of August!

This morning it is my pleasure to bring to you a book I thoroughly enjoyed... The RePurposed & UpCycled Life by Michelle Rayburn.

No, it's not a Rocking Summer Romance LOL but I just have to tell you about it!

I received the book to review as part of its launch party through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications and must say I'm so glad I participated!

About the Book:

Have you ever wished you could...

• Unpack emotional baggage and deal with the past
• Confront perfectionism and negative attitudes
• Change your perspective on your circumstances
• Let go of regret and shame
• Build positive healthy relationships
• Dream big and live with purpose

Discover the repurposed and upcycled life. With her laugh-out-loud Erma Bombeck way of looking at life, Michelle will help you see how some of your greatest disappointments, mistakes, and hurts can be beautiful treasures from God. Part memoir, part inspiration and self-help, this book will help you: Through inspiration from God's Word and examples from everyday life, you'll discover the joy-filled, hope-rich way of viewing your past, present, and future.

About the Author:

Michelle wants to help you connect the dots between faith, creativity, and everyday life and discover the joy of finding God in the most unexpected places. Years ago, she left her career as a registered nurse to raise her family, and along the way, she discovered her true passion for writing, speaking, and singing.

Michelle has written more than 100 articles for publication, and this is her debut book. Her writing has also appeared in Christian Communicator, Focus on the Family, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Vista, Queen of the Castle Magazine, and more. She has also written several Bible studies for ChristianBibleStudies.com, and does freelance editing and copy writing.

My Review:

This book is another in a long line of 'Keepers' for me and should be added to every spiritual library out there! Along with personal stories from her life, Michelle gives us practical, everyday ways to shine our light and work with God to recycle the challenges in our lives for the benefit of others. Whether you're just beginning your faith journey or been walking the path a long time, this is one treasure trove of experience and advice you'd do well to dig into on a regular basis.

The RePurposed & UpCycled Life can be purchased at Amazon (Kindle) and Barnes & Noble.

Well friends, hope you enjoyed this Tuesday Treasure! Be sure and check back often for more Thursday Thoughts, Saturday Spotlights and of course Tuesday Treasures!

Until later.... Take care, God Bless and remember.... All things work together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose!

Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge! ™

Thursday Thoughts - Guest Post by Jamie Hull

Good Morning Friends!

Kathy Carlton Willis Communications often offers guest blog posts by her clients. This one by Jayme Hull blessed me - I think it will bless you too!

Enjoy!

PamT

Going Higher

By Jayme Hull

Picnic time is just around the corner. Everyone has a favorite cookout smell that brings back good times and memories. One of my Dad’s favorite sandwiches is a good ol’ American hot dog.

Last year, while Dad was visiting, we planned a special picnic get-together. When I went to the grocery store I had forgotten how large a selection of hot dogs we have to pick from! One brand caught my eye in particular, the “Hebrew National.”  Even more profound than their brand name was their slogan:

“We answer to a higher authority.”

I chuckled, “Hey, so do I!” Of course, my curiosity converted me into a consumer—I bought the dogs. I have to admit the hot dogs were juicy and delicious.

So, here is today’s question: “What is your slogan?”

Do you answer to a higher authority?

If Christian women of today would live like we answer to a higher authority, our lives and families would look different. This is what mentoring is all about. Helping woman realize they are blessed and privileged to answer to a higher authority.

You may be asking:

1.                  How do I mentor others?

2.                  What does mentoring look like?

Here is an example:

Young Woman: I just don’t understand how to hear God’s voice.

Mentor: No worries, this is a common question. I can give you an example. I am married and I spend all my time with my husband. I communicate with him and I know what he thinks and how he lives his life. When my husband calls me on the phone, he doesn’t have to say, “Hi honey. This is your husband.”

You see, the minute he says my name I know who he is because I know his voice. I have spent quality time with him and know him inside and out.

As you spend more time in God’s Word you begin to learn His character. You will recognize His commands and His love.

Before I end my time mentoring I always pray over the young believer and encourage her to seek and answer to the higher authority in Jesus Christ.

Even more exciting—as a mentor, you will walk away renewed in your own faith. Scripture says as you refresh others, you yourself will be refreshed. Be encouraged as you mentor the next generation of believers. God will bless you as you pour your life into others.

Jayme’s ministry is focused on mentoring others with a clear and strong biblical foundation. She is a graduate of New York University, and currently a Bible Study teacher, piano teacher and mentor to numerous women of all ages. She and her husband, John, currently live in Nashville, TN.

Visit Jayme at: www.jaymeleehull.com/.

Thursday Thoughts - Three Reasons to Listen to the Enemy By Lynn Hare

Good Morning!

Well another Thursday has arrived and you really don't want to know my thoughts LOL!

Seriously, it's been a crazy couple of weeks and I'm just about done in. However, my friend, Kathy Carlton Willis of KCWC, has offered guest blog posts by her authors and one really resonated with what I've gone through this past week.

I hope it blesses you too....

Three Reasons to Listen to the Enemy

By Lynn Hare

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

– James 4:7 (ESV)

Pay attention to the enemy of your soul. He’s got something you need.

Following a car accident in February, I was laid up with leg, back, neck, and facial injuries. By March, I was still in so much pain, I couldn’t even get comfortable in bed.I told my husband, “This morning I didn’t want to get out of bed. 

The pain is winning.” My head dropped to my chest.

But I listened for Jesus’ voice. I heard Him whisper, “Those thoughts are not yours. The enemy is in your head.”

How do we wage war? By listening to the enemy. Here are three reasons:

1.) The enemy will show you where on the battlefield to fight.

When we hear, “I’m not making any progress,” we need to look for growth.

When I said, “I’m not getting better,” I frowned at the bald-faced lie. “Hey,” I said, “No wonder I’m under attack. I’m about to improve!” Determined, I rode my exercise bike and stretched my leg muscles. I was rewarded with a surge of energy. The next day, instead of two crutches, I was on one.

2. Like negatives from a camera, the enemy shows you the reverse of the truth.

Like photos developed in a dark room, black becomes white. Red turns green. Yellow is soon purple. When the enemy shows us an image, we need to declare its precise opposite.

I caught myself saying, “I feel lonely and isolated.” But then I glanced at the stack of get-well-soon cards and meals friends had dropped off. “NO!” I said aloud. “I have lots of friends!”

I determined to write two letters of encouragement each night.

3.) The enemy unwittingly drops hints that point to our future.

When I looked in the mirror, I thought, “Look at the swelling over my eye. What a loser!”

But instead, I looked ahead to what God was shaping me to become. I said aloud, “I’m a winner!” I doubled my words of encouragement to others. Several told me they were uplifted and strengthened.
And now the enemy was no longer in my head. I grinned, leaned forward and asked, “What else have you got?” He scowled and backed away. “Forget it.”

What lies from the enemy are pointing you to the Truth?

Lynn Hare Bio:

Author, speaker, and certified teacher Lynn Hare enthusiastically provides grace-filled messages about encouragement, prayer, and practicing the presence of the Holy Spirit. A member of Oregon Christian Writers, she lives in Portland with her husband, Tim, of thirty-two years. Her inspirational pieces appear in numerous Christian periodicals. Website: www.lynnhare.com

This article content is provided free of charge by the author through

Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. You are welcome to place this article on your site or in your publication as long as: 1) it’s used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you previously request permission through KCWC at kathy@kathycarltonwillis.com.

All other standard copyrights apply.

KCW Blog Tour - Anita Highman's Texas Wildflowers

Texas Wildflowers

"A romance assortment of petits fours, and as dreamy sweet."

—Harold Wolf

Author: Anita Higman
Retail: $7.99
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Barbour Pub.
Release: November 1, 2012
ISBN-10: 1616265957
ISBN-13: 978-1616265953

Chapter One:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/137142510/TexasWildflowers_ChapterOne


From the Back of the Book:
The four McBride sisters risk their hearts for love in the islands, canyons, mountains and bayous of Texas.

Deserted at the altar, a devastated Rosy McBride heads back to Galveston Island and begins working at her mother’s scrapbooking business. Will spending time with Larson Brookfield help mend her broken heart, or will she merely wind up pasting away?

Christian counselor Lily McBride relies on her quirky common sense and God’s wisdom to help her clients. Will she be successful at her new career or break the most solemn of counselor/patient vows by falling for the handsome, eccentric, and impossibly irresistible Rubin McCall while hiking the Palo Dura Canyon?

In the mountain town of Alpine, Violet McBride owns Romantic Images, a business that teaches people how to live romantically. Will Morgan Jones, a geek she meets online, show her the real meaning of romance and the art of love?

Heather McBride’s picture-perfect life has unraveled in the bayou. Will the free-spirited Evan Finch not only reawaken her artistic passion but also give her the courage to fall in love—without her day-planner?

Will God help give these women the pluck to love the least likely of soul mates?



An Interview with Anita:

Tell us a bit about Texas Wildflowers.
Texas Wildflowers is a 4-in-1 novella collection through Barbour Publishing. Each novella is set in an exotic location in Texas. They are lighthearted romances, and they’re all tied together with the four McBride sisters.

Which of the four novellas was the most fun to write?
They were each fun to write in their own way, but my favorite character was Lily, the counselor, in Forget Me Not Lily. She was quirky and fun, relatable and loveable. At least that’s what I hope readers will feel.

All these novellas are set in Texas. Are the towns and parks real?
Yes, in fact one of the novellas is set in Big Bend National Park, where my husband and I went on vacation. So, when you read about the characters on certain trails, they’re real, and we hiked them!

Did you have a favorite book when you were a child?I loved fairytales. Cinderella was my favorite.

Do you have a vacation spot you’d love to visit?
I’m dreaming of Ireland. My husband and I plan to travel there next summer. Can’t wait! Then I’m going to use the emerald isle as a setting in one of my novels.

What are 5 things that your readers might not know about you?

1. While I was in college I tried working in a pillow factory. I was terrible at it. I got so weary with the repetition I started yakking with the woman next to me. We got reprimanded over and over until I quit. I discovered one thing from that college job—talking is something I excel at.
2. I once won a hog-calling contest at a banquet. I was not embarrassed, but I should have been.
3. I have a bird phobia, and yet I love birds! (That is, from a distance.) My house is filled with the fake kind—prints on the walls, statues, and general bird doodads. Go figure.
4. I keep some interesting treasures near me when I write—a wooden jewelry box my son made me when he was in school, a candle from the 1960s, a hat once owned by a famous mystery writer, the inner parts of a music box, a birthday card that plays The Twilight Zone theme song, and an old family toy helicopter that says, “Going up.”
5. Thirty-four years ago I rappelled off a cliff alongside the man I was dating. We kissed in mid-air while dangling off that cliff. I ended up marrying that man, and we've celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary!

What awards have you won?
I’ve won two book awards. One of my co-authored books entitled, A Tribute to Early Texas, won a San Antonio Conservation Society Citation as well as a Westerners International Book Award. Also, I was given three honors by readers: I was a Favorite New Author in the 15th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards, and my co-authored novel, Castles in the Air, was a Favorite Contemporary Romance in the 16th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards. My most recent award is a 2011 RWA Readers Choice Award (first place) for my novella, Once Upon a Christmas Eve.

When readers finish the last page of Texas Wildflowers, what do you want them to come away with?
I would love for them to be inspired, challenged, and entertained. If I accomplished even one of those things I would feel my writing time wasn’t wasted.

Where can your readers connect with you online?
Please drop by my website at www.anitahigman.com, or visit my Reader Page on Facebook and chat with me there at http://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorAnitaHigman.


About the Author:
Bestselling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has thirty-two books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. Please visit her online at www.anitahigman.com.

Giveaway:
Every blog that gets comments from at least 10 different commenters (besides the author and the blog tour host) will offer a free book to one of the commenters. Be sure to tell your friends to come read this blog and leave a comment! Share on facebook, twitter, linked-in or wherever you hang out!

VBT ~ Women in High Definition

Hello Friends,

Today's guest is brought to you by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. Enjoy!

ISBN: 978-0-9854172-0-8

Paperback: 163 pages

Retail: $12.99

Release: April 20, 2012

Publisher: Words in High Def  

Kindle: $6.95

“ Women in High Def will remind you that when God writes your story, you are in for the adventure of a lifetime! Diane Markins has written a book addressing topics women deal with on a day-to-day basis. If you are looking for a contemporary, captivating read filled with practical advice that will give you insight and wisdom for daily decisions, this is it!”                           

~ Carol Kent, Speaker and Author 

Between a Rock and a Grace Place (Zondervan)

To celebrate the “Going Boldly” Blog Tour Women in High Def is available for free from September 10-September 14 on Kindle at: http://amzn.to/Oey7Sa

About the Book:

(Check out the Website)

Women are as unique as snowflakes or butterflies, but after surveying hundreds of them, writer and radio host Diane Markins learned that the top needs they feel are the same. She also began hearing a recurring theme: I want more! I want to be better! I want to be bold!

Women in High Def aims to propel women out of a low-def, foggy life of going through the motions in a blur. The profound stories, intercessory prayer prompts and coaching elements work together to catapult women into living fearlessly for God…being bolder moms, having purposeful passions, pursuing marriage excellence, loving themselves with gusto, laughing with abandon, transforming mistakes into blasts of blessings and bravely seeking the Lord in all His majestic glory. The bonus Bible study at the back of the book points them to scripture to gain Biblical insight and direction for each need and role they play. It can be used alone or in a group.

Women in High Def is not passive reading. It cries out to the spirit of readers to be unafraid as they actively reach for clarity, vibrancy and intensity in all the meaningful areas of their lives.

About the Author:

Diane Markins has always aspired to live in High Def. She uses her radio show, writing and speaking to inspire women to transform their lives from mediocre and complacent to bold and vibrant. She settles for nothing less in her own life as a wife, mom, grandmother, friend and colleague. Diane writes two blogs,WomenInHighDef.com and WordsInHighDef.com, is a regular contributor to the Presidential Prayer Teamwebsite and CBN.com. She and her husband of 33 years work and live close to their children in Arizona.

Falling Down Gorgeous

(Excerpt from Women in High Def: Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)

Time takes its toll on all of us. Parts of me that were once up here are now down there. My face, once smooth and fresh was becoming a bit weathered and wrinkled. Other areas that used to be firm are now wiggly. As I turned fifty I began to notice that I was becoming invisible, based on my appearance. That’s a big fat horse pill to swallow for my ego. But that’s okay. The good news is that when people start to see less of me, they see more of Jesus. He’s much more appealing and has no hidden agenda.

I hate to admit it, but I still enjoy being noticed on occasion. My husband and I went on a date to a very fancy mountaintop restaurant overlooking the city. I dressed for the occasion in my fitted black slacks, silky blouse and high heels.

I followed the maitre de to our table, my husband right behind me. I was feeling pretty good about myself and strutted a bit as we crossed a large open expanse of the room. As my stilettos went from carpet to wood floor something strange happened…I began to skate, stumble and flail about, for what felt like ten excruciating minutes, before finally landing flat on my keister. For endless moments all sound ceased except the quiet music in the background. Diners, servers and kitchen staff gaped at me, frozen in mid-action.

Graciously, I was helped up, escorted to and seated at our table, where they elevated and iced my swollen ankle. Then—to my horror—the paramedics arrived, causing an even bigger stir. Servers and managers came by frequently to check on me. Finally, our fellow diners made their way to our table as they departed to share their own “fall down” tales.

Earlier that evening, I had hoped for a little extra attention. But this wasn’t what I had in mind. Now I was just grateful I hadn’t chosen the skirt I had considered that was still hanging on my closet door. My experience that night was a great reminder that the only beauty that matters is what the Lord puts in our hearts. Everything else “falls” short in the end.

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Why Bold is Better

by Diane Markins

“Your dress has really bold colors.” Does that sound like an insult in any way? How about this one: “That was a really bold choice.” Would you consider this criticism?

I hope not! I’d never wear something that would melt into the background of a beige room. I’d hate it if someone said, “You made a very safe, easy choice.”

Being bold means taking risks, not fearing failure or rejection and requires intentional thinking. When we live boldly for God we have empowerment and passion to make our boldness meaningful.

Settling for mediocrity in marriage, as parents, in careers, friendship, faith or ministry is not bold. God wants us to pursue everything we do with intensity and decisiveness. This means we are frequently checking the pulse of our pursuits and rapidly responding when we get a distress signal.

Is your marriage (especially in bed) ho-hum? Find some bold ways to rev it back up. Are your kids struggling? Don’t just shrug and follow the “traditional wisdom,” think creatively about taking brave actions no one else would.

Do your prayers feel more like talking to the ceiling fan than conversations with a wise, cherished friend? Do something wild and new to transform.

Don’t confuse boldness with arrogance or recklessness. When your bold actions are paired with love, respect and clarity the results will translate as conviction with complete humility.

Jesus has a bold message and He is asking you to not only share it, but live it! Bold is truly better.

"Going Boldly" Blog Tour Grand Prize

 – Retail Value: $70

• Book (Women in High Def: Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)
• Bright and Vibrant Earrings
• Sparkling Cider (to celebrate life)
• Sumatra Coffee (Bold, Earthy Flavor) 
• Into the Wild body wash and spray fragrance from Bath and Body Works
• Custom coffee mug: Women in High Def (front), BE YOUR BOLD SELF! (back)

Leave a comment for your chance to win!

Hope you've enjoyed this VBT - visit often to meet other great authors with helpful/encouraging books!

Until later.... Be Blessed!

PamT

PS: Don't forget The Wordsmith Journal is having a "Basket of Books" contest 9/10 - 9/25- Details HERE! Enter today!

Virtual Blog Tour - Janalyn Voigt!

Hi Friends!

I, along with Kathy Carlton Willis Communications, is pleased to bring to you Janalyn Voigt with her book, Dawn Singer! Janalyn is a fellow Pelican Book Group author and I do believe this is her debut novel! So without much further ado....

Janalyn Voigt’s epic fantasy trilogy, Tales of Faeraven, starting withDawnSinger, is published by Harbourlight Books. Janalyn also writes in the western romance genre. She is represented by Barbara Scott of Wordserve Literary. Her nonfiction publication credits include Focus on the Family, Scripture Press (now David C. Cook) and Pentecostal Evangel. She serves as a literary judge for several national contests and is an active book reviewer. Her memberships include ACFW and NCWA. Janalyn lives in a quiet corner of the Pacific Northwest, where she discovers worlds of adventure in the great outdoors. 

 

CREATING WORLDS OF BEAUTY AND DANGER

Website: http://janalynvoigt.com  Blog: http://janalynvoigt.com/blog

Paradoxical Truths Revealed

 A new speculative fiction story releases this summer that captures several paradoxical truths, including: freedom comes through sacrifice – AND – victory comes through surrender. allegorical fantasy readers will be spellbound by the incredible imagery and symbolism throughout DawnSinger, authored by Janalyn Voigt. Some of the key points in the book include:

 

Freedom through sacrifice. When the willful but reverent main character, Shae, learns her secret identity, she has to decide whether to accept her true calling. Although it may cost her everything, the salvation of a nation hangs in the balance. Shae represents the church. We each must lay down our will and our lives to bring freedom to others.

 

Overcoming prejudice with unity. In DawnSinger, the clash is not over color of skin but between classes of being. Elderland was already inhabited by the Elder nation when the Kindren entered it from another world through a gate that closed behind them. The Elder accepted the Kindren's occupation of Elderland because they didn't want to live in the areas where they settled—areas within reach of garns (goblenesque creatures) and welkes (giant birds of prey). DawnSinger opens as an unknown enemy stirs strife between Kindren and Elder in an attempt to divide and conquer Elderland. As a result, the alliance of Faeraven, a group of Kindren kingdoms ruled by a widowed High Queen, begins to fall apart. This story arc, which spans three novels, is based in large part on Voigt’s father's experiences of prejudice as a half-breed Native American.     

 

Serving rather than ruling. As the High Queen's health fails, Kai, the hero of DawnSinger, must choose whether to reign and rule in his homeland or to continue in service to the new High King at her death. Kai's decision inspires Shae to make her own.

 

Conquering fear by not letting it consume you. In Pilaer Hold, an ancient place of defeat for the Kindren, wraiths rush toward Kai and Shae's other protectors. They draw their swords, but the more wraiths they dispatch, the more arise. They learn that to defeat fear, something else is needed.

The High Queen is dying... At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens. But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes. On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns, waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing—and the salvation he offers—into a divided land. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.

Dawn Singer is available in Ebook & Print! Also @ Amazon.com and other online outlets.

As with all KCWC blog tours there is a grand prize drawing for a $25 Starbucks gift card and an autographed copy of Dawn Singer!

I've read this book and let me tell you, this is some amazing writing! I'm not much on fantasy and can't even imagine creating whole new worlds but this book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. I read it in one day - forgetting all other things I had to do....the setting, descriptions and poetic prose kept me turning pages and I can hardly wait for the second book in the trilogy!

Well friends I certainly hope you enjoy this Virtual Book Tour. Stay tuned for our next Saturday Spotlight this weekend!

Until later...take care & be blessed!

Virtual Book Tour - Benny's Angel

Good Morning Friends,

It is my pleasure to bring to you today, a wonderful children's book, Benny's Angel, by Laura Allen Nonemaker which is on tour with Kathy Carlton Willis Communications today!

 Who stole the flowers in God’s Secret Garden?

 

When Ella Eagle discovers that the flowers in God’s Secret Garden have wilted, she alerts Mayor Benny Bunny. The main suspect in the case is evil Count Slime, who is jealous of the joy the animals have in the garden. Mayor Benny calls in Oliver Owl, the captain of the Owl Force Wisdom Watchers, but the owls have not seen Count Slime during their patrols of the garden. Mayor Benny suggests the animals pray for an answer. God hears their prayer and sends Marietta the angel to help them solve the mystery.

 

This delightful tale uses animals, nature, and a visit from an angel to teach children the importance of prayer and the value of trusting God.

Laura Allen Nonemaker’s desire to write took root as a child in Bermuda. Since then, Laura has written in a variety of genres and her work has appeared in Essence Treasury: Celebrating the Season, Alive! and Kentucky Monthly Magazine.

 

Laura has been involved in short-term missions, including trips to Russia, Poland, and the University of the Nations in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Three years ago, her interest in the arts motivated her to join the planning team for Artful Missions, which conducts juried art shows and donates to outreaches in the U.S. and India to rescue women and children from human trafficking.

 

Feel free to contact Laura at lauranonemaker@gmail.com

 

Connect with Laura at These Social Networking Sites:

facebook: Laura Allen Nonemaker
twitter: @DigInGodsGarden
Linkedin: Laura Nonemaker

Q & A with Laura:

Why did you write Benny’s Angel?

Benny’s Angel was the result of an occurrence in my “secret garden.” While seated on my garden bench praying, I noticed a rabbit hopping through the garden. The Benny’s Angelscenario came to me. I sensed it was significant and in about ten minutes, I developed the basic storyline.

 

Why do you think reading is important for parents to emphasize with children, both by reading to them and fostering a healthy reading appetite as they develop their own reading skills? 

I believe the time to instill a love for reading in children is when they are toddlers and beginning to experience the power of communication in their relationships. Children are ready to absorb whatever they see and hear going on around them, whether it is good or bad. It is important to read them stories that ignite their imagination and plant the seeds of sound moral principles.

 

What issues do you address in Benny’s Angel, and why do children need these sorts of stories to help them through life? 

In the story of Benny’s Angel, the animals in God’s Secret Garden encounter a problem. They are unable to solve it themselves and pray to God for an answer. God answers their prayer by means of an angel. Benny’s Angel teaches the importance of prayer and of trusting God to answer our prayers. These principles filter naturally through the storyline and without the need for sermonizing. Children will face all kinds of problems and challenges as they grow up and stories based on sound biblical principles lay a strong foundation for their future.

 

Tell us about the next book you have coming out after Benny’s Angel.

The next book in the God’s Secret Garden Adventure Series is about a little frog. Through some misadventures, he learns the importance of obedience.

Grand Prize Giveaway

$85.87 Value 1 Vivitar Camcorder with Camera and 2X Zoom 1 Benny's Angel Picture Book 1 Benny's Angel 3-D Book 1 Benny's Angel Coloring Book 1 Benny's Angel Audio Book 1 Benny's Angel T Shirt  1 Benny Christmas Ornament 1 Marietta Christmas Ornament 1 96-Count Crayola Crayons