You are Invited to the ACFW Storyfest!

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for ACFW Storyfest, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited:

ACFW Storyfest 

August 24-26, 2023 

Hyatt Regency at the Arch, St. Louis

When hundreds of authors gather for their annual ACFW conference in August, readers are invited to participate in their own event on the same premises. Storyfest will present a full program of meet & greet or meals with authors, casual conversation, games, panels, swag bags of story-related treasures, and the opportunity to hear from the heart of readers’ favorite authors.

Per reader requests, the ACFW Storyfest team is also including reader-only workshops to help answer reader questions and gain reader feedback. The ACFW bookstore will also be open to readers. Last year’s attendees recommend bringing extra luggage for the book and swag haul.

Learn More about ACFW Storyfest 2023

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Participating Authors:

                                             

Sami A. Abrams, Kate Angelo, Pepper Basham, Laurel Blount, Sara Brunsvold, Colleen Coble, Sara Davison, Lynette Eason, Loretta Eidson, Joni M. Fisher, Liana George, Sarah Hamaker, Sarah Hanks, Brandy Heineman, Rebecca Hemlock, Pam Hillman, Angela Hunt, Denise Hunter, Kelly Irvin, Dana R. Lynn, Tracey J. Lyons, Joy K. Massenburge, Nancy Mehl, Shaen Layle, Dana Mentink, Robin Caroll, Dineen Miller, DiAnn Mills, Carol Moncado, Mindy Obenhaus, Candice Sue Patterson, Lisa Phillips, Deborah Raney, Shannon Redmon, Terri Reed, Helena Smrcek, Betsy St. Amant, Melanie Stevenson, Carrie Turansky, Marilyn Turk, Darlene L. Turner, Virginia Vaughan, John Matthew Walker, Kimberley Woodhouse, Lenora Worth, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and more

Register Now for ACFW Storyfest 2023

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of one registration fee to ACFW Storyfest in St. Louis OR if unable to attend Storyfest, a swag bag STUFFED with swag, including the Storyfest booklet and signed copies of books by up to 10 participating authors!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 14, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 21, 2023. 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. If selected, the swag bag will be sent after the event in late August. 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!

 

Review: 400 Calories or Less with Our Best Bites by Sara Wells, Kate Jones

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

From the bestselling authors of Our Best Bites and Savoring the Seasons with Our Best Bites comes a unique cookbook for healthy eating. Inspired by the authors' personal weight loss journeys, these healthy recipes, all under 400 calories, provide a wealth of ingredient option substitutions for comfort food main dishes, flavorful side dishes and yummy desserts.

Each recipe includes mouthwatering photography, easy-to-follow instructions for swapping out healthy, low-calorie ingredient substitutions, and complete nutritional information including fat content, carbs and sugar and salt intake. Features vegetarian and gluten-free choices and tips for stocking a healthy pantry from ordinary grocery store options plus advice for making the best choices at the salad bar.

My Review

Healthy eating is always a goal for me, and I appreciated the variety of recipes in this cookbook. I'm in a bit of a cooking rut right now, especially for dinnertime with members of my family going in all directions. We do have a goal to eat at the dinner table together at least a few times a week, and I'm excited to try out the recipes I think my family will enjoy. Sections are divided into categories of Breakfast, Soups, Salads, Snacks, Pasta, Poultry, Beef, Pork, Seafood, Meatless, and Desserts. Several recipes are additionally labeled as Gluten-Free, and each recipe has a sidebar of basic nutrition measurements of Calories, Carbs, Sugars, Fat, Fiber, and Protein. I also liked the add-on options, shopping, prep, and cooking tips, serving suggestions, alternatives, and rollover ingredients identified which varied with each recipe. There are at least three recipes from each section that I will be making for my family or myself, and I know there are more to try if I'm feeling adventurous or creative ;)

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: 101 Super Cute Things to Draw by Lauren Bergstrom

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Learn to draw tons of cute and quirky stuff with the 100+ step-by-step drawing projects in 101 Super Cute Things to Draw.

Specifically geared toward beginning and aspiring artists of all ages, 101 Super Cute Things to Draw features: 

 

More than 100 easy-to-follow drawing projects that help you quickly learn to create super cute illustrations in a super simple way.

Adorable animals, darling little foods, enchanting everyday objects, and nifty natural wonders, all designed for maximum delight.

Basic art instruction, including information about tools and materials, combining colors, and creating patterns that sets you up for success so you can enjoy the creative process of drawing.

101 Super Cute Things to Draw is perfect for beginners, as well as young artists, with its simple illustrations and easy-to-follow drawing steps. For those who want to learn how to draw everything adorable and amusing, this book is for you! 

 

With this book, you’ll learn to draw:

- Everyday objects, including a teapot, balloons, and a terrarium
- Food, including a cinnamon bun, a sushi roll, and strawberries
- Nature, including a mushroom, a tiny forest, and a rainbow and cloud
- Animals, including a red panda, a sloth, and a cow
- Mythical creatures, including a yeti, a dragon, and a jackalope

So grab your pencils, some paper, and a copy of 101 Super Cute Things to Draw to create plenty of giggle-worthy drawings!

Bursting with humor and imagination, books in the 101 Things to Draw series will put a smile on your face with original mash-ups, step-by-step drawing instructions, doodling exercises, and mindfulness activities.

My Review

Drawing is fun, and the step-by-step guided instruction for these simple figures are easy enough for even young children. I plan on using these as directed drawings in the elementary classrooms where I teach. For adults who enjoy whimsy and kawaii cuteness, the wide variety of objects and creatures will inspire creativity. Basic information on color, patterns, materials, and expressions are included in the introduction, but the majority of the book is full of fun things to draw! From ordinary objects around the house, to food, to animals, to imaginary creatures, the artist makes anything "super cute!"

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: The World at Night: Spectacular Photographs of the Night Sky by Babak Tafreshi

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

See the full beauty of our night sky revealed as never before in over 200 photographs from around the world in this stunning and giftable title.

Bringing together the images of over 40 photographers across 25 countries, be astounded by the lights of the night sky in some of the darkest places on earth; discover the beauty of galaxies, planets and stars; view great celestial events; and see some of the world’s most important landmarks against the backdrop of an incredible nightscape.

Babak Tafreshi, founder of the international organization The World at Night, has curated the images in this collection – many of them previously unseen – to reveal the true splendour of the sky at night. A specialist guide to night-sky photography will help you capture your own gorgeous images of the heavens.

Commentary on the science, astronomy and photography accompany stunning images organized by theme: 

- Symbols of all nations and religions embraced by one sky of endless beauties
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites at night
- The Universe revealed through constellations, sky motions, atmospheric phenomenon, Aurora and other wonders
- Images highlighting the beauty of dark skies away from light-polluted urban areas
- Celestial events, from great comets to spectacular eclipses
- Astro-tourism destinations, like ancient astronomical monuments and modern observatories

My Review

I've always been fascinated with long exposure night photography, and this book is overflowing with gorgeous images from all over the world. Famous buildings and cityscapes are featured as well as the obscure, and of course landscapes in nature with the sky looming above full of stars, comets, meteors, the moon, and/or planets. It's a book to savor, with brief explanations of the location and identifying astronomical sights. The chapters divide the images into categories, and I added quite a few destinations to my bucket list. The quality of the hardcover book is excellent with a matte cover and pages, embossed title, and would make a wonderful gift.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Kawaii Kitties: Learn How to Draw 75 Cats in All Their Glory by Olive Yong

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Learn to draw all kinds of cute cats doing all sorts of silly things through 75 step-by-step tutorials.

In Kawaii Kitties, popular Instagram artist Bichi Mao (@bichi.mao) perfectly captures cats’ different attitudes, while playing, sleeping, eating, stretching, exploring, being loving, wearing cute costumes, and much more!

Along with the tutorials, Bichi Mao shares:
- An introduction to the kawaii art aesthetic
- Suggestions for drawing tools
- Tips and tricks for drawing and coloring your cats
- A facial expression directory
- Coloring pages swarming with kitties for you to decorate
 

So, get ready to purrfect your drawing skills, as well as be inspired to create your own kitty characters or illustrate the daily activities of your favorite pet.

My Review

I recently became a cat person when we brought two kittens into our home last year. I also love the cuteness of kawaii, so I was excited to check out this book. The author has her own personal style with the roundness and type of face she gives her kitties. Each pose the author demonstrates has its own step-by-step directions and illustrations. It's very effective as a guided drawing that would be achievable by pre-teens on up as they are pretty simple. The ideas are very fun and cute, with the expressions of the cats coming through. I would have liked a greater variety in shapes of cats rather than just poses, especially since my cats are not very fluffy or overly round. I understand that's part of the aesthetic but I don't think my cats would be recognizable in this style.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Creative Journaling by Renee Day

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Spark your creativity and keep yourself organized with the beautiful pages and easy-to-follow instructions of Creative Journaling.

With 52 projects, from crafting colorful pages for dot grid, junk, mixed-media, and travel journals to making your own washi tape, tabs, and paper, you’ll soon have the best-looking journals around.

Author Renee Day of the popular Instagram @thediyday takes you on an artistic adventure, guiding you with step-by-step photos and instruction, as you learn how to incorporate amazing DIY ideas into your daily planning! You’ll learn to work with a variety of materials—acrylic paint, brush pens, stencils, stamps, 3D gloss gel, scrap paper, and more—as you personalize your stuff, making things uniquely you.

Going beyond basic tools, this stunning book offers tips, tricks, and creative ways to transform journals and hardcover books into treasured keepsakes, including:
- Ornamental lettering
- Personalized habit trackers
- Colorful calendars
- Decorative headers and cover pages
- Customized productivity and bucket lists
- Inspiring artwork
- Gratitude logs
- Unique planning pages
 

Even if you have a limited amount of time or supplies, you can create eye-catching journal layouts. It’s time to get creative!

My Review

I'm not one for just sitting down and writing in a journal although over the years I've had intentions to start one. The word "creative" in the title caught my eye because I thought maybe that would help inspire me to both create and write. This book is full of ideas, techniques, tips and advice for not only journals, but also weekly planners. I loved the sections on bookbinding and building your own books. The author definitely shows preference for doing all handwriting and pen designs by hand, which is a throwback to old-school scrapbooking. Using that technique for doing your own weekly planner seems pretty tedious, but I would apply her ideas to other types of journals and books. The mixed media art techniques brought another level or creativity that looks fun to experiment with. Overall, the explanations are easy to understand, and there is a wide variety of techniques explained and demonstrated with clear photos.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: The Unassuming Curator by Sian Ann Bessey

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Emily Norton loves nothing more than losing herself within the pages of a good book. But the solitary pastime is poor preparation for participating in the dreaded London Season. Her trepidation over formally entering Society is all-encompassing, until she stumbles upon an enigmatic gentleman digging up flowers in a hedgerow. Before she can learn his name or the reason for his unusual activity, however, she is whisked into a carriage bound for London.

Henry Buckland has a secret: he cannot discern the difference between certain colors. It’s a particularly difficult disability for the curator of natural history at the British Museum, but no more challenging than his repeated attempts to outmaneuver the machinations of the town’s most notorious matchmaker. At his parents’ dinner party, he receives assistance in outwitting the persistent busy-body from a surprising source: the intriguing young lady he met on the country lane. As Emily and Henry become formally acquainted, they discover a shared love of science and nature that makes them ideally suited. However, Henry is not alone in his admiration for the young woman. As the competition to woo Emily escalates, so, too, do tensions at the museum. When an unexpected danger threatens Henry’s livelihood―and life―it appears he may not have the chance to win Emily’s heart after all.

My Review

This book featured a sweet and gentle romance with unique characters that are well-suited to each other. I enjoyed the early history of color blindness and how Henry didn't let that prevent him from pursuing his career. He and Emily bond over his work with plants and creatures- one local variety of flower in particular. Her understated intelligence and genuine interest in learning about a variety of subjects attract him from the beginning. There isn't conflict in their slowly developing relationship; the drama is brought from outside influences- other suitors, politics at the museum, and a surprisingly dangerous turn of events. A wonderful addition to the Georgian Gentlemen series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Georgian Gentlemen series . . .