Diva Love: Miles From Where We Started




Today, I am pleased to host the tour for Miles From Where We Started by Cynthia Ruchti.

 I enjoyed the witty dialogue in this book and the author's strong attention-to-detail along. The unique adventure along the road trip that took place somewhat paralleled the relationship between the main characters, Mallory and Connor. There were twists and turns, reflective moments and things turned out a bit differently than they imagined. An overall good read about the downside of a new marriage.

About the Book



Book Title: Miles from Where We Started

Author: Cynthia Ruchti

Genre: Christian Romance/Family Life

Release date: October 16, 2018

These no-longer-newlyweds want out of this road trip—and their marriage. Too bad they can’t find the off ramp.

Weeks away from their one-year wedding anniversary, Mallory and Connor Duncan can’t even agree on how to end their marriage. But when a last-minute crisis lands them on a three-thousand-mile road trip together, Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.

The trip begins to unravel before the key is even in the ignition, and an at-risk, trouble-seeking missile of an eleven-year-old is unexpectedly launched into their travel plans. Close quarters get even tighter, and the couple believes this whole experience will spell disaster.

Their first year of marriage hasn’t been the arm-in-arm togetherness they expected. How can they find a new beginning when the road ends?

Click here to purchase your copy!



About the Author

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of hope through novels, nonfiction, devotionals, and speaking events. She serves as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences across the country. She married her grade school sweetheart, and the two live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.



Guest Post from Cynthia

I have a confession to make. I heart millennials.

My other novels have had a few millennial characters. Some even played starring roles. But I knew there was more to the heart of millennials than I could gain from listening to the often unfair sighing or comedy routines about that generation. As a person, I wanted to know them better—what are they really like? What challenges do they face with which previous generations saddled them? What strengths to they offer our culture?

Until now, I hadn’t written a story about a millennial couple whose marriage was in crisis. Like, serious crisis. I-don’t-want-to-be-married-to-you-anymore. That kind of crisis.

As any good novelist knows, part of what we do to our characters is make the situation worse. So, millennial couple, approaching their one-year anniversary, ready to call it quits because “This marriage thing is really hard. Is it supposed to be so much work?” But what if…? What if they were forced to be together for three weeks…in a micro-camper…on America’s backroads…with an 11-year-old foster boy troublemaker…and both the husband’s AND the wife’s jobs depended on the trip’s success?

Plot idea in hand, I set off to write Miles from Where We Started, not entirely sure when I began the journey where they would end up or how they’d get there. It was an education for me in so many ways. The impact of the turning point of the story? In the words of my millennial friends, “That’s lit!”

Side note: I’m a big fan of a young teen musician at our church. The boy has mad skills as a keyboard artist. He approaches life as if it’s an endless game of Ninja Warrior. Why walk when you can vault into the room? Why walk up a flight of stairs when you can hop four at a time? He also sports a perpetual smile and is famous for his kindness, but his eyes give away that a little mischief may be hiding behind that smile. I asked Judah’s permission to use his name (and a little bit of his personality) as the foster child character in Miles from Where We Started. I can’t wait for him to read the part he inspired.

Can’t wait for you to read it, too.

Hemmed in Hope,

Cynthia


Blog Stops


The Power of Words, October 25
All-of-a-kind Mom, October 26
Lighthouse Academy, October 26
Quiet Quilter, October 27
cherylbbookblog, October 28
Simple Harvest Reads, October 28 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, October 28
Godly Book Reviews, October 29
By The Book, October 29
Maureen’s Musings, October 30
Spoken from the Heart , October 30
SusanLovesBooks, October 30
Mary Hake, November 1
Book by Book, November 1
amandainpa , November 1
Pause for Tales, November 2
Just Commonly, November 2
Baker Kella, November 3
Bibliophile Reviews, November 4
Texas Book-aholic, November 5
Carpe Diem, November 6
A Diva’s Heart, November 7
Bigreadersite, November 7

Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Cynthia is giving away a grand prize of the Adventure begins” large tote bag, “This way to adventure” travel notebook, “Home is Where We Park It” metal wall hanging, a teardrop camper birdhouse, PLUS a $50 gift Visa gift card…to start your adventure fund!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d4ea/miles-from-where-we-started-celebration-tour-giveaway


I hope you enjoyed today's featured book. Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle
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Diva Love: Indivisible





Today, I am pleased to highlight Indivisible by Travis Thrasher. Being from a family full of military and war veterans, I was very interested in reading this book. Based on a true story, it is an emotional journey through the different phases of a chaplain's deployment. I loved how the story speaks on the effects of PTSD from family and spousal perspectives. I was tearful at times, as I followed along in this story of faith, hope and love. I look forward to seeing the film version. Thanks to the author and Celebrate Lit for my advanced review copy. Opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book




Book: Indivisible



Author: Travis Thrasher



Genre: General fiction, drama



Release Date: October 23, 2018




A novelization of the film Indivisible, this is a story of love and marriage and finding each other all over again.

When Darren deploys to Iraq during the surge of 2007, he leaves behind his loving and supportive wife, Heather, and their three small children. Their marriage is the envy of the base, both believing strongly in the calling to serve in the military. Darren knows he’s there to support the troops in their darkest moments as their chaplain, but what he doesn’t realize is that he will face his own dark moments, which will have lasting effects on his marriage.

Meanwhile, Heather is creating a community among the other wives and families left behind. She rallies support back home, realizing the dangers the men and women serving overseas are facing, but she also begins to notice a change in Darren during their brief conversations. When he returns, he is no longer the man who left-the man Heather married. His greatest fear is letting her down, but instead of opening up to her, he shuts her out. Their marriage was so strong before. But how can they get back to where they were . . . or find a new way forward?

Indivisible is a story of sacrifice, marriage, and faith that will leave audiences full of hope even amid their most challenging times.



Click here to purchase your copy!

We are excited to announce that this book is going to be a major motion picture!








About the Author




Bestselling author Travis Thrasher has written over 50 books and worked in the publishing industry for over twenty years. He has written fiction in a variety of genres, from love stories and supernatural thrillers to young adult series. His inspirational stories have included collaborations with filmmakers, musicians, athletes and pastors. He’s also co-written memoirs and self-help books. His novelizations include Do You Believe? and God’s Not Dead 2. Upcoming releases in 2018 include The Black Auxiliary about the lives of the other 17 American black athletes who competed with Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Travis lives with his wife and three daughters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.



More about Indivisible

This book is based on a true story, so we’d love for readers and moviegoers to meet the real Darren and Heather Turner:

Darren and Heather Turner both grew up in Georgia, and met in 1999 when Darren was working in campus ministry at the University of Georgia. (Darren is still a Bulldog at heart.) Heather was working as a recruiter for an organization that sends English teachers overseas, and Darren had just returned from a year teaching English in Mongolia when they met. Married that same year, they served another six years together in campus ministry and added three children to their family.

Through the husband of a friend of Heather’s, Darren learned that opportunities existed for service as a military chaplain. In 2006, Darren completed seminary, was commissioned in the Army, and deployed almost immediately. Their family’s experiences from this timeframe are the basis of the new movie INDIVISIBLE. Darren, who is on active duty, and Heather are passionate about serving military families, marriage counseling, and leading marriage retreats. The Turners currently live in North Carolina with their children Elie, Samuel, and Meribeth.

Learn more about the Turners!




Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, October 4
The Becca Files, October 4
Robin is Bookish, October 5
The Power of Words, October 6
Splashes of Joy, October 7
Mary Hake, October 7
Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
A Reader’s Brain, October 10
Book by Book, October 10
All-of-a-kind Mom, October 12
Bibliophile Reviews, October 13
Pause for Tales, October 13
Texas Book-aholic, October 14
Cafinated Reads, October 15
Maureen’s Musings, October 17
A Diva’s Heart, October 17
Bigreadersite, October 17







To celebrate his tour, Travis is giving away a grand prize that includes the Indivisible novel along with a devotional!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d627/indivisible-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thanks for stopping by and visit me anytime at www.michellelynnstephens.com!

Michelle

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Diva Love: The 12 Gifts of Christmas


Today, I am welcoming Award-Winning Christian Fiction Author, Lena Nelson Dooley. I enjoyed reading my advanced review copy of her latest release, The 12 Gifts of Christmas. It is a sweet story of a whirlwind romance built on the wings of prayer and is full of meaningful gifts. There are a few twists that will leave you wondering how it's going to work out in the end.  I enjoyed the Scottish cultural references and learning how they relate to my home state of North Carolina. Please enjoy!


About the Book


Book Title: The 12 Gifts of Christmas


Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Romance/ Christmas

Release date: September 4, 2018

Malcolm MacGregor is a descendant of Scotland’s Clan MacGregor and a successful young businessman in Fort Worth, Texas. Alanza Cantalamessa works at a gourmet pizzeria owned by her Brazilian artist mother and her Italian Poppa. Both of them are smitten with each other but Malcolm is too reserved to do much more than make small talk—until a promotion at work that will send him away to Australia for six months. It’s December and he has to do something—fast.

Praying about the situation, Malcolm decides to give her twelve gifts leading up to Christmas. Their families and friends think they are moving too fast. And a gold-digger who tossed Malcolm aside in the past has now decided he’s the man of her dreams.

Can Malcolm and Alanza overcome their obstacles before he has to go abroad? Or is it really not meant to be?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author





 Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, her local chapter in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the Christian Authors’ Network, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. Her forty-plus books have sold more than 875,000 copies. Lena’s books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publisher Weekly bestseller lists, as well as some Amazon bestseller lists. She also writes a popular blog, A Christian Writer’s World, that features other authors’ books. The blog received the Readers’ Choice Blog of the Year Award from the Book Club Network.
Lena is a three-time finalist in the Carol Awards ACFW contest. Her 2010 release, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western Fiction. Her next series, McKenna’s Daughters: Maggie’s Journey appeared on a reviewers’ Top Ten Books of 2011 list. It also won the 2012 Selah award for Historical Novel. The second, Mary’s Blessing, was a Selah Award finalist for Romance novel. Catherine’s Pursuit, released in 2013, was the winner of the NTRWA Carolyn Reader’s Choice contest, took second place in the CAN Golden Scroll Novel of the Year award, and won the Will Rogers Medallion bronze medallion. Her book, A Heart’s Gift, won RWA’s Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award in July 2017.

Lena is also the host of The Lena Nelson Dooley Show on the Along Came a Writer blogtalk radio network. She has experience in screenwriting, acting, directing, and voice-overs, and currently serves on the board of directors of Higher Ground Films. She has been featured in Christian Fiction Online Magazine, ACFW Journal, Book Fun Magazine, Charisma Magazine, and Christian Retailing.

Guest Post from Lena

She took the pan off the burner, dropped tiny marshmal-lows into the waiting over-sized mugs, and filled them with the fragrant hot chocolate. “Do you want to drink it here, or would you rather go in the living room? The sofa is more comfortable.”

“Whatever you want to do.” His honeyed tone wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

She handed a mug to him, picked up her own, along with coasters and two napkins, and headed into the living room. He followed.

Alanza’s Best Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

4 cups milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup good quality cocoa powder

3 tbls. honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 dark chocolate bar

1 can real whipped cream

Maraschino cherries

Instructions:

Heat milk over medium to low heat, stirring constantly until milk starts to bubble slightly (about 10 minutes). Meanwhile, mix sugar and cocoa together until well blended. When milk is ready, gradually add in sugar, cocoa, and honey, stirring constantly. Put heat on low and add shavings of chocolate bar and vanilla. Continue stirring until chocolate has melted. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries on top, as desired.


Blog Stops

The Power of Words, October 9
Among the Reads, October 10
A Diva’s Heart, October 10
Luv’N Lambert Life, October 11
Baker Kella, October 11
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 12
Britt Reads Fiction, October 13
Texas Book-aholic, October 13
Susan Loves Books, October 14
Splashes of Joy, October 15
Creating Romance, October 16
Bigreadersite, October 16
Mary Hake, October 17
Maureen’s Musings, October 18
Bibliophile Reviews, October 20
Pause for Tales, October 20
More Of Him, October 21
Carpe Diem, October 22

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbuck’s Gift Card and a surprise Christmas gift!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d5c9/the-12-gifts-of-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle
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Diva Love: A Shattered Life Restored



Today I am featuring Christian Romance Author Marshalee Patterson. I was delighted to receive an advanced review copy of her latest release and loved how she blended themes of grief, romance, spiritual warfare and redemption. Join us as we explore A Shattered Life Restored.
.
Q&A

1. Tell us a little about your book.
This book is about healing, hope, and redemption. Helping readers who have lost someone close and struggles to believe that happiness still exists for them and also those who have lost their way to find grace. To give them hope that God has a plan for all of us even when they feel like they are cursed. 


2. What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?
I don’t think any part of my writing process was difficult. I think it may be because none of these stories were my own originally. The Holy Spirit puts them in my spirit and after I acknowledge that he’s the author, I sit in front of the computer and pray. The story flows as it should after that even while the Lord adds parts of my own life in the stories. It always amazes me how he does it. 

3. What scene were you most excited to write?
I don’t think I was more excited about one particular scene, I loved writing the romantic scenes – seeing how Meg and Derek expressed their feelings – it made me feel like I was falling in love as well. But I think I enjoyed the first scene of the book that dealt with Meg’s grieving process the most. Somehow it was kind of like me dealing with the loss of my own husband and learning to move on. I cried while writing those first few chapters, adding Olivier in this story helped me a lot and I know lots of readers will come to appreciate his purpose in the book as well.  


4. Who is your favourite character in this book and why?
Olivier is my favourite character and that is because he is the voice of reason that we all need to hear when we are too deep in hurt and pain to think straight. Also because with all his positive words of advice, he too needed someone to remind him of following his own advice, which shows that he was also vulnerable.

5. What is your advice for any readers who would love to write a book?
Pray first and know if it’s the will of God, that way your story will flow as it should and you won’t be easily discouraged when you are criticized by others who might not agree with what you have to share.

6. Is there anything else you'd like to add about your book that you think readers should know before picking it up?
You will cry in some parts, laugh in some but most of all you will be blessed and enjoy this book. It was a joy for me to even be blessed to write it.




About the Book
Title: A Shattered Life Restored
Author: Marshalee Patterson
Genre: Inspirational Christian Romance
Release Date: September 20th, 2018
Synopsis
Sitting at the Saint-Roch Train Station with tears in her eyes, Meg contemplated where her life had gone wrong. She was at a point in her life where she felt abandoned by God after the last remaining person who truly loved her, died. Now with a baby on the way, she had begun to lose hope that the future, she knew the Lord had promised her was never meant for her.
With a gentle tap on her shoulder, her gaze turned to meet that of Derek’s, the kind stranger whose smile brought warmness into her heart. “Was he sent to fulfil God’s promise in my life?” she thought. With assured faith, she followed him as he led her away, trusting that God had not forsaken her. Now she felt content to allow God to have his way in her life and totally surrender all to him.
 
 
About the Author  


Marshalee Patterson was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She has loved reading since she could walk. Growing up without a television sparked in her a love for reading and the world of imagination. Some of her favourite novels were written by Charles Dickens, Jane Eyre and Victor Hugo, as she found she liked the true to life stories that we all can relate to. She wrote her first novella-Predestined Love after travelling to Italy and wanted to write a romance novel about it, only she didn’t know that God had plans for her and that story, when he changed the direction of what she originally had in mind. It was then that she knew she was called to write stories to uplift and inspire readers, showing them how to find God in their struggles and the faith to trust Him through it. She is a lover of nature and the tranquillity of it. She finds the outdoors refreshing and peaceful. Marshalee loves Spanish ballads and dances salsa very well.
Connect with Marshalee

My Website / Facebook Page
Twitter / Add to GoodReads / My Blog

Links to Buy
Amazon / Kobo

 Blog Stops 
Oct. 1st - ASC Book Reviews
Oct. 2nd - Christian Bookaholic
Oct. 3rd - A Diva's Heart
Oct.4th - A Hopeful blog
Oct.4th - Brooke's Blog
Oct. 5th - Traci's Blog
Oct.6th - Yoursincerelyd
Oct.7th - Lock, Hooks and Books
Oct. 7th - Pursuing Stacie
Oct. 8th - Miracle Writes
Oct.9th - Britt Reads Fiction
Oct. 10th - Literary Reflections Book Blog
Oct. 11th - Remembrancy
Oct. 12th - Inspiring Christian Romance Books
Oct. 12th – By the Book
Oct. 13th - Reading Is My Superpower
Oct. 14th - The Daily Gee
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Diva Love: Be the Miracle




Hello! Today, I am pleased to present Be the Miracle by Delores Liesner.

This lovely devotional book is filled with stories that brought me both laughter and tears of joy. I was pleased to find not just the usual story-related Bible verses, but practical journal exercises, prayer prompts and life-application challenges. Ms. Liesner encourages us to live expectantly as we trust God's timing, provision and promises! 

I was provided with a complimentary copy of the book by the author and Celebrate Lit. My opinion of the book is my own.

About the Book






Book Title: Be the Miracle



Author: Delores Liesner

Genre: Non-fiction, Christian living, devotional



Release date: June 1, 2018



Whether we title these unexplainable happenings miracles, God-sightings, or some other name, people love to hear of such occurrences. Why? They increase our faith by providing evidence of the miraculous in our everyday lives and heighten awareness of God’s desire to minister personally to us and through us.

Delores Liesner is a prayer warrior with a track record of seeing Christ work in her life and the lives of others. Her articles, devotions, and columns reflect the excitement of seeing miracles transpire, and now her book chronicles many of these amazing experiences. You’ll enjoy it.—Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, author, Jesus in the 9 to 5

My time with God in the morning is the most precious part of my day. Be The Miracle is a devotional filled with wonderful personal stories that will build your faith and stir your heart to receive fresh grace from God and be on the lookout for new ways to serve Him each day.—Dan Walsh, bestselling author, The Unfinished Gift, Remembering Christmas, and The Dance

Miracles happen all around us, every single day if we’ll only be sensitive enough to recognize them and thank God for His divine intervention. Author Delores Liesner shows us that whether a miracle comes as the smallest kiss from heaven or a life-changing act of God, our Heavenly Father is still in the prayer answering business, and as the Word says: ‘We have not because we ask not.’ I love this book! It makes me want to shout about all of the times God has come through for me. It will encourage you, too! It’s a must read! —Michelle Medlock Adams, award-winning, best-selling author of more than 80 books including her latest Get Your Spirit On! Devotions for Cheerleaders and Love & Care For the One and Only You



Click here to purchase your copy!



About the Author


Delores is a storyteller. Her passion, whether writing or speaking about activating faith is to be the miracle for others.

Over a thousand of those stories, devotionals, and teaching articles are published in print and online, including a compilation of 31 stories and life-changing challenges in her devotional, Be the Miracle! (Elk Lake Publishing). Delores is often spotted reading (3-5 books at a time), trying new recipes, or munching dark chocolate and orange peel. Her personal ministry is to benefit children with life-threatening illness via Fullness of Life Foundation, Scottsdale, AZ



Guest Post from the Delores

Would you believe a cow turned me into a miracle-believing lady? Though I’d always known about Jesus dying on the cross, and the Bible being God’s words, it took a couple of amazing and unexplainable events for me to understand miracles could happen to me!

We didn’t realize we were risk taking when we hopped in the car and headed for Colorado. Youthful and ignorant˜ in the ways of the world, we were excited to learn that the organization who produced the memory verse cards and Bible studies our friend had given us were having a conference that began the next day, we packed up and went! A startled young man answered our phone call, made when we were already half-way across the country and got to thinking maybe we should have told them we were coming!

The conference was full, but separate rooms across campus were found for us. Consequently we only sat by each other during meetings and some meals, so we didn’t compare notes until on the way home. That was when we both started sharing the same message from God – to give a certain amount to a missionary for 6 months. We did not have the money and the only amount in our budget that matched was groceries. Would God ask us to give up groceries for 6 months? We felt He would, so that He could surprise us with the provisions in a most unexpected way – like sending a cow!

That is a bit of a teaser for Surprise Us for Dinner, God, the first story in my upcoming 31-day personal challenge devotional, Be The Miracle! You see, when God did that miracle-series at the beginning of our Christian life, we knew He was real, and that He dealt with people on a personal level. If God could do this, we figured, He could do anything, and we have many amazing stories that prove it!

Each of the stories is a true incident of God leading me to bless someone else (often a stranger, but sometimes someone we knew), or someone bringing us an unexpected answer to prayer.

When I began sharing stories like You’re the One, The Wrong Store?, Stranger No More, and Impossible Dreams, there were two main responses. Some women were excited to relate to stories of miracles in their own lives, and some women wondered if God would do miracles through them too.

I always share that I do not believe God is a giant get your prayers answered here vending machine, serving us just to make us ‘happy.’ The joy in these stories, and their life challenges, is that God wants all of his followers to be His hands and feet (and less often his voice) in the world. Just as we can represent our spouses with our children, and our supervisors with the public or with other employees because we know them so well, and understand how they would respond to a situation, we can know God in such a personal way that we can represent Him to others too.

That takes time. And that is why each story is followed with a verse, its teaching and a challenge you can follow to recognize and activate God’s command and gift to be “the miracle” – the messenger delivering an answer to prayer.

Blog Stops


Just the Write Escape, September 13
Mary Hake, September 14
Real World Bible Study, September 17
Bigreadersite, September 18
Captive Dreams Window, September 19
Texas Book-aholic, September 20
Bibliophile Reviews, September 21
Janices book reviews, September 23
Carpe Diem, September 24*
A Baker's Perspective, September 25

A Diva's Heart, September 26*

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Delores is giving away:

Grand Prize: Vertical Be the Miracle plaque, miracle magnet, Be the Miracle stamped cuff bracelet, a eternity circle necklace and Ebook or paperback copy of Be the Miracle

First: Gold miracle plaque, choice of Ebook or paperback of Be the Miracle, and shoe bracelet (be hands and feet of Jesus)

Second: Pink miracle plaque, choice of Ebook or paperback of Be the Miracle, and cross ribbon bookmark

Third: Blue background – Bee the Miracle canvas and Bee pin – choice of Ebook or paperback of Be the Miracle!!


Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d436/be-the-miracle-celebration-tour-giveaway


Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle


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