Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: A Weary World Rejoices by Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Johnnie Alexander, Angela D. Meyer, Sara Davison

A Weary World Rejoices JustRead Blog +Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Weary World Rejoices by Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Johnnie Alexander, Angela D. Meyer, and Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

A Weary World Rejoices

Title: A Weary World Rejoices
Series:
A Mosaic Christmas Anthology VI
Authors:
Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Johnnie Alexander, Angela D. Meyer, Sara Davison
Publisher:
The Mosaic Collection, LLC
Release Date:
October 16, 2024
Genre:
Christian Christmas anthology

With nothing going as planned, will Christmas be a complete disaster this year?

The people in these stories are tired, weighed down by the struggles and cares of life. In the midst of their challenging situations, each receives an unexpected letter.  

The Christmas Kiss – Stacy Monson
Unremarkable Sue
– Eleanor Bertin
Love, Christmas
– Johnnie Alexander
Gifting Christmas
– Angela D. Meyer
The Back Door Christmas Tour Company
– Sara Davison 

Songs like "O Holy Night"are filling the airwaves and promising hope for a weary world, but what will it take for the men and women in these stories to experience true joy this Christmas?  

A Weary World Rejoices is a collection of five stories about discovering joy in the midst of life's challenges—at Christmas and every day of the year.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Guest Post from the Authors:

Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Johnnie Alexander, Angela D. Meyer, Sara Davison


What’s On Their Christmas List This Year?


The men and women in the five stories that make up A Weary World Rejoices all have items on their Christmas wish list this year, some known and others secret. Here’s a sneak peek into what those lists might contain…
 

“The Christmas Kiss” by Stacy Monson

All they want for Christmas…

Christmas has been less cheer and more bah humbug for both Piper Devine and Finn McNally. Focused on restoring Piper’s store, Pip’s Divine Chocolates, after a break-in, they wonder what other catastrophes this normally festive season might bring. Shopping for gifts? No time. Planning a big meal? When?

Secretly, each has just one thing on their Christmas list. Smitten with the candy store owner, Finn prays for her to find the Hope and Peace he knows so well, and that she’ll recognize the future he wants to share with her. Piper longs for more of the stability and comfort she’s found in her unexpected friendship with the handsome property manager who took a chance on her and her dream.

The hectic season has had its issues, but Piper and Finn fervently hope there’s enough of the Christmas spirit left for them to celebrate—together.


“Unremarkable Sue” by Eleanor Bertin:

Every year, Evelyn Hardy had given Sue Roundell a book for Christmas. Always precisely wrapped, presented on Christmas Eve, and signed in her copperplate handwriting, “with love, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hardy.”

But the Christmas Walter was in the psychiatric ward was different. This book was hastily wrapped in, of all unholy things, Santa paper, and presented on the day Evelyn had brought Walter home from the hospital.

After wishing the Hardys a merry Christmas, Sue tore off the paper. Other years, the books had been chosen to help Sue grow as a young Christian. This year, Sue stopped short, staring at the bright plaid cover of the Better Homes & Gardens cookbook. This meant something. Evelyn Hardy did nothing without careful thought.

Sue squeezed the thick volume against her chest, not sure whether to laugh or cry. She had an inkling what it meant, especially after the conversation she had just had with the older woman. But then Sue cringed, thinking of Glen standing in the kitchen hearing everything Sue had blathered on about. She may have outgrown her childhood clumsiness, but her tongue hadn’t received the memo.


“Love, Christmas” by Johnnie Alexander

In my short story, “Love, Christmas,” widowed Shannon Tracey gives an anonymous Christmas gift to Cassidy, a young college student whose only sister died in a tragic auto accident. They’d met last Christmas Eve when Mac Calloway, the solitary cemetery caretaker who “never means to eavesdrop,” felt called by God to host a Christmas Eve dinner for the grieving.

Though Mac still mostly keeps to himself, he isn’t as lonely as he used to be. This Christmas, Shannon has invited Mac to join her, Cassidy, and a few other guests for a holiday feast. Dessert will be a home-baked triple-layer German chocolate cake with a handful of lit candles to celebrate Mac’s birthday. It’s not important that she doesn’t know his age—only that he won’t be spending his special day alone.


“Gifting Christmas” by Angela D. Meyer

Barry’s gift to Karen is a new snow globe for her collection which she started as a child. He located someone who creates one of a kind, made to order globes, and commissioned one containing a small replica of the Applewood Hill Bed and Breakfast – which from the moment they signed the papers and took ownership of became a symbol of hope for them as their marriage healed.

Karen and Barry have been debating throughout their surprise pregnancy whether or not to find out the sex of their soon to be born child. Karen has held her ground about waiting, but decided that for her Christmas gift to him, she would share what she found out at her last ultrasound. He wasn’t able to go with her, so it was the perfect opportunity to plan her surprise.


“The Back Door Christmas Tour Company” by Sara Davison:

There’s only one thing Rav Temauri, the main character in “The Back Door Christmas Tour Company,” wants for Christmas, and that is connection to family. Kind of hard to wrap up in a box. When he receives an unexpected letter from his brother letting him know that he won’t be home for Christmas, Rav makes a highly uncharacteristic move. With zero planning or forethought, he jumps on a plane and flies halfway around the world in an attempt to find roots and an anchor for his life. When he finds himself part of an eclectic group of people all searching for something like he is, Rav ends up receiving far more for Christmas than he could have ever asked for or imagined.


While these men and women may or may not have gotten what they thought they wanted for Christmas, all received something of inestimable worth—joy in the midst of challenges and a weary, troubled world.

Which is our hope and prayer for every reader who blesses us by taking the time to read this or any other of The Mosaic Collection books!

May you experience the gifts of joy and peace this Christmas and always,

Stacy, Eleanor, Johnnie, Angela, and Sara



Also Available

   


About the Authors

Stacy Monson  Eleanor Bertin

Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of stories that reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Residing in the beautiful, peaceful countryside outside of the Twin Cities with an old dog and 17 chickens. She has two kids, two wonderful in-law kids, and adores being G'ma to 7 amazing grandchildren.

Connect with Stacy at stacymonson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

From her home in central Alberta, Canada, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity. She is the author of The Ties That Bind series, Lifelines, Unbound, and Tethered, the Burning Bright series, Flame of Mercy and Flicker of Trust, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She lives with her husband of 40 years and their youngest son, in what will someday be a beautiful century home.

Connect with Eleanor at eleanorbertinauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Johnnie Alexander  Angela D Meyer

Johnnie Alexander is a wannabe vagabond with a heart for making memories. As a bestselling, award-winning novelist, she has written more than thirty works of fiction in a variety of genres. She is both traditionally and indie-published, serves as board secretary for the Mosaic Collection, LLC (an indie-author group) and faculty chair for the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference; co-hosts Writers Chat, a weekly online show; and contributes to the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog.  A fan of classic movies, stacks of books, and road trips, Johnnie shares a life of quiet adventure with Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Her grands call her “The Shadow” and dutifully follow this unbreakable rule ~ only she is allowed to open a new bag of Classic Lay’s potato chips.

Connect with Johnnie at johnnie-alexander.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Angela D. Meyer writes fiction that showcases God’s ability to redeem and restore the brokenness in our lives. Angela currently lives in Nebraska, where she and her husband homeschooled and graduated both of their children. Angela is a part of the Mosaic Collection and writes stories that showcase God’s redemption and restoration in our brokenness. Angela enjoys sunrises and sunsets, the ocean when she gets a chance to visit, and hopes to ride in a hot air balloon someday. Connect with Angela at angeladmeyer.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Sara Davison

Sara Davison is the author of The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo, two sparrows for a penny, and In the Shadows 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.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of A Weary World Rejoices as well as a metal wall hanging that says A Thrill of Hope, the Weary World Rejoices!

A Weary World Rejoices JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 14, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 21, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours



Monday, October 14, 2024

Review: A Trick of Fate by Rebecca Connolly



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



About the Book

If secrets lead a fool to love...

Hunter Mortimer, known in the operative world as Trick, is only doing his duty when he steps in to save a young woman in the streets of London. Thinking she is a fellow spy, what else could he do? But when the victim proves to be just an ordinary young woman in dire straits, everything in his world grows more complicated. To add to that complication, she is beautiful, fiery, and makes him smile far too easily.

Lucy Allred did not intend to be a problem for the man who saved her but being lost in London left her helpless. When her father's new lodgings prove difficult for Trick to find, she must remain in his care and company for her safety. The more time she spends with him, the more her eyes open to a world that she had never imagined. And her heart opens to all new possibilities.


My Review

It was so fun stepping back into the world of the Agents of the Convent! The setting is Regency London, but this is not your average ballroom romance. The author takes us on a suspenseful adventure in the London underworld, where secret agents are working together and individually to take down the worst villains and uncover plots against the country. While Lucy ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time, Hunter is in the right place and time to rescue her from an abduction- one that they can't figure out the reason for. As Hunter cares for Lucy and searches for her father while simultaneously pursuing his own case, he falls hard in spite of his misgivings. His angst over his romantic feelings for Lucy is somewhat humorous, especially when the other agents learn of it and offer ribbing and advice. Lucy undergoes some wonderful character growth as she learns to stretch her wings beyond what she was raised for, and finds freedom and love in her new circumstances. Exciting suspense, danger, and sleuthing solved some mysteries only to discover more!

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 previous books in the Agents of the Convent series . . .
 

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Takeover Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Brave: The Story of Ahinoam by Mesu Andrews

Brave JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Brave: The Story of Ahinoam by Mesu Andrews hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Brave Title: Brave: The Story of Ahinoam 
Series: King David's Brides #1 
Author: Mesu Andrews 
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
Release Date: October 1, 2024 
Genre: Biblical Fiction

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a dagger-wielding Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.

Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel's next king?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

 

Excerpt

 
“Get to the house, Ahinoam!”

My fingers fumbled to dislodge the climbing rope that held me captive to the tree. Finally releasing it from my belt, I caught up with Abba and matched his gait stride for stride. Jezreel’s watchmen finally sounded the t’ruah, warning of attack with nine short blasts. We reached our courtyard gate, heard faraway screams. Like a long-­forgotten nightmare come to life.

“Hide! Now!” Abba pushed me through our curtained doorway. Tools thudded onto a goatskin on the packed dirt floor while I hurried to the far corner of our single room and skidded to my knees. Metal clanged behind me as Abba added our irreplaceable forge hammers, small anvil, and best whetstones to the goatskin bundle. My fingers shook as I removed the two sideboards beneath his elevated mattress and heard Abba’s hurried footsteps behind me.

“Get in, girl!” He nudged me into the small, dark space and then shoved our smithing supplies toward my feet. His eyes met mine. “Not a word,” he said. “No matter what you see or hear. Now hold the boards in place so I can close you in.”

“Abba, I—”

“The boards!”

I replaced the sideboards over the opening, and Abba pounded them into place with his fist. With one hand I covered a sob, and with the other I clutched the dagger in my belt. Should the Amalekites discover me, they’d receive an unwelcome greeting.

Also Available:

Love Amid the Ashes Love's Sacred Song Love in a Broken Vessel In the Shadow of Jezebel


About the Author

Mesu Andrews

Mesu Andrews is a Christy Award-winning, bestselling author of biblical novels and devotional studies, whose deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the Bible alive for readers. Her heritage as a "spiritual mutt" has given her a strong yearning to both understand and communicate biblical truths in powerful stories that touch the heart, challenge the mind, and transform lives. Mesu lives in Indiana with her husband, Roy, where she stays connected with her readers through newsy emails, blog posts, and social media.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Brave: The Story of Ahinoam and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Brave JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 9, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 16, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours



Friday, September 20, 2024

Takeover Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2024!

The Christy Award 2024 Finalists JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2024, organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to the 2024 Finalists!

About the Gala

The Christy Award Gala will be held on Thursday, November 14 at 7 pm central in Downers Grove, Illinois, at the DoubleTree Conference Center, just outside Chicago. Winners from each category, plus the Christy Book of the Year and Amplify Award, will be announced during the celebration.

Hosted by award-winning novelist and radio host Chris Fabry, the Gala will feature the induction of award-winning speculative author Sharon Hinck into the Christy Hall of Fame with remarks from inaugural Hall of Fame novelist Lynn Austin. The evening will also include a keynote from Amanda Barratt, author of 2023 Christy Book of the Year Within These Walls of Sorrow and the presentation of this year’s awards by last year’s winning authors: Sharon Hinck, Amanda Barratt, Sara Brunsvold, Laura Frantz, Elizabeth Goddard, Kristi Ann Hunter, Anna Rose Johnson, Linda MacKillop, Katie Powner, and Sara Watterson

In addition, the literary imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien will be honored throughout the evening by poet, scholar, and Anglican priest Malcolm Guite; accomplished agent of many of the industry’s award-winning speculative titles Steve Laube; and WaterBrook editor, who is the founder of the International Inklings Day Substack, Jamie Lapeyrolerie.

Learn more about The Christy Award Gala 2024


The Christy Award Finalists 2024

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - tie

Her Only Wish Indigo Isle The Rhythm of Fractured Grace The Thing About Home

Her Only Wish, Shelley Shepard Gray (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) Indigo Isle, T.I. Lowe (Tyndale House Publishers) The Rhythm of Fractured Grace, Amanda Wen (Kregel Publications) The Thing About Home, Rhonda McKnight (Thomas Nelson)

FIRST NOVEL

 A Fifth of the Story An American Immigrant On Moonberry Lake

A Fifth of the Story, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson Hayes (End Game Press) An American Immigrant, Johanna Rojas Vann (WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House) On Moonberry Lake, Holly Varni (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)

GENERAL FICTION - tie

He Should Have Told the Bees The Last Exchange Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass The Year of Jubilee

He Should Have Told the Bees, Amanda Cox (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) The Last Exchange, Charles Martin (Thomas Nelson) The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass, Katie Powner (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Year of Jubilee, Cindy Morgan (Tyndale House Publishers)

HISTORICAL

Appalachian Song The Foxhole Victory Tour The Warsaw Sisters

Appalachian Song, Michelle Shocklee (Tyndale House Publishers) The Foxhole Victory Tour, Amy Lynn Green (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Warsaw Sisters, Amanda Barratt (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

 A Winter by the Sea Of Love and Treason The Seamstress of Acadie

A Winter by the Sea, Julie Klassen (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Of Love and Treason, Jamie Ogle (Tyndale House Publishers) The Seamstress of Acadie, Laura Frantz (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

 8 Down The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater The Vanishing at Castle Moreau

8 Down, Kimberley Woodhouse (Kregel Publications) The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater, Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Vanishing at Castle Moreau, Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

SHORT FORM - tie

Star of Wonder (within We Three Kings) The Poppy (within Dancing in the Rain) The Shifting Current Beauty Bright (within We Three Kings) You Make It Feel Like Christmas

Beauty Bright (within We Three Kings), Cara Putman (Kregel Publications) The Poppy (within Dancing in the Rain), Sara Davison (Sara Davison) The Shifting Current, Dani Pettrey (Dani Pettrey) Star of Wonder (within We Three Kings), Crystal Caudill (Kregel Publications) You Make It Feel Like Christmas, Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

SPECULATIVE - tie

 Estuary In this Moment Lumen  Shadowcast

Estuary, Lisa T. Bergren (Enclave, a division of Oasis Family Media) In This Moment, Gabrielle Meyer (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Lumen, J.J. Fischer (Enclave, a division of Oasis Family Media) Shadowcast, Crystal D. Grant (Quill & Flame Publishing House)

YOUNG ADULT - tie

Looking Glass Illusion Offsides Once a Queen Sky of Seven Colors

The Looking-Glass Illusion, Sara Ella (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) Offsides, Lori Z. Scott (End Game Press) Once a Queen, Sarah Arthur (WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House) Sky of Seven Colors, Rachelle Nelson (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)

The Christy Award 2024 Finalists

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

The Christy Award 2024 Finalists JustRead Takeover Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 20, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 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 HERE


Register for The Christy Award 2024 Events

Leading up to the Gala, an afternoon of seminars will be presented as the Art of Writing conference, which will bring together writers, creatives, and publishing curators for training and connection around Christian fiction writing.  Sessions will be led by publishers Karen Watson and Andrea Martin (Tyndale House); agents Danielle Egan-Miller and Cynthia Ruchti; and authors Amanda CoxKelly FlanaganChris FabryRobin W. PearsonDani Pettrey, and others.

The Christy Award Events 2024

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org


Author and Reader Event

Join fellow readers and forty authors (and counting!) at the JustRead Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads. This event will be held on the day after The Christy Award events at the same location. Rendezvous, modeled after the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat, aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement. Activities will include corporate worship, speaker sessions, author panels, small group discussions, games, giveaways, a pop-up book shop, and author signings.

Learn more about the 2024 JustRead Rendezvous


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

JustRead Publicity Tours