blog tour

No Chance Meeting Excerpt + Author Post

/ ladygrace19 / 4 Comments

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Hello, friends! I’m pleased to have author Jaye Elliot on my blog today! I’ll be sharing a post from her + an excerpt from her coming release, No Chance Meeting.

No Chance Meeting is Jaye Elliot’s first contemporary romance novel. She writes Christian fantasy novels under the name, Jaye L.Knight, and I have loved many of her books! ❤ I’m excited for her as she goes in this new direction … and I’m also looking forward to the conclusion of her Ilyon Chronicles, of course!!

I hope you enjoy this post and check out Jaye’s books. 🙂

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About the Book

Alex Jennings is done with life. After losing her brother in Afghanistan, everything has collapsed around her. Getting laid off from her day job and failing in her art career, she has nowhere left to turn. She once had faith to believe that all things would work together for good, but that faith died with her brother. Now she just wants the pain to end.

Riley Conrad served thirteen years in the military until three bullets sent him home. After a year and a half of physical therapy and scraping together a living, all he wants is to live a simple life and perhaps even open the coffee shop he dreams about. However, the weight of failing his parents’ expectations doesn’t make it easy, and working as a bartender isn’t getting him anywhere fast.

Could a “chance” meeting between Alex and Riley set them both on the path God always intended?

Available now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and more!

20% of all February sales will go to the Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs.

 Add to Goodreads

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Shared Post from Jaye Elliot

At one point in the story, Alex bakes a Dutch apple pie that is her mom’s family recipe. I pulled this little detail from real life. I always love when my mom makes Dutch apple pies. Below you will find the recipe to this family favorite.

Dutch Apple Pie Recipe

Filling:

5 cups of sliced apples

¾ cup of sugar

2 tablespoons flour

½ teaspoon nutmeg, cloves, & cinnamon

Topping:

1 cup flour

1 stick butter

½ cup sugar

Mix apple filling ingredients together in a large bowl and pour into a pie pan with your favorite bottom crust (can be homemade or store bought). Cut butter into the flour and sugar for the topping until there is course, pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle over the top of the pie. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 45 minutes, until golden brown.

Can also be made gluten free! You can find my favorite, foolproof pie crust recipe here. For the flour in the filling and topping, I just use superfine white rice flour, and it turns out great.

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Excerpt from NO CHANCE MEETING BY JAYE ELLIOT

Dad walked into the entryway first, followed shortly by Mom, who wore a ruffled, red plaid apron Alex had given her for Christmas a few years ago. It saw a lot of use but had held up well so far.

Alex met both of them with warm hugs. They then greeted Riley, Mindy, and Zach. By now, Mindy was bouncing on her toes. Though not at all unusual for her, Alex did take particular notice of it.

“Mind if I use your bathroom?” she asked Mom.

“Not at all. You know where it is.”

Mindy flashed a thankful smile and quickly excused herself. As soon as she was gone, Alex burst into laughter.

Mom raised a brow. “Coffee?”

“Four cups,” Zach said with a long-suffering sigh.

They all laughed now and walked into the kitchen. Alex set a canvas grocery bag on the counter and unpacked the food she and Riley had brought while Dad asked Zach about their new house and work. The three men then discussed the Packers and Lions game on later. Besides her Broncos, Alex had always liked the Packers, so she was rooting for them to win today.

Mindy rejoined them a couple of minutes later, and Mom set a large plate of pumpkin cookies on the counter.

Zach’s eyes lit up. “My favorite.”

“I made them especially for you.”

“Thank you.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before grabbing a cookie and taking a big bite.

Pumpkin cookies had been Josh’s favorite too—a special treat their mom always made for Thanksgiving morning. In his absence, Zach was like a surrogate son.

With their bathroom breaks taken care of, Mindy and Zach prepared to leave. On their way out the door, Mom handed Zach a red plastic container.

“For the road,” she told him.

He peeked inside, and Alex caught sight of more cookies.

He grinned. “You spoil me. I’m going to be so fat after this weekend.”

Mindy reached for the container. “Don’t worry, I’ll pace you.”

But he lifted the box of cookies high above his head, out of reach. “Uh-uh, no way. I’m not giving up my special holiday treat.”

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About the Author

Jaye Elliot is an award-winning author, country girl, and hopeless romantic at heart. She loves a good hero and will always sigh happily during the lights scene in Tangled. She writes from her home in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, which she shares with three cats she considers her kids. When not writing romance novels, she pens fantasy and adventure stories as Jaye L. Knight.

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

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Giveaway #1

To celebrate the release of No Chance Meeting, Jaye is giving away a reader bundle that includes a signed copy of NCM, a hand-painted watercolor bookmark, a coffee mug, and a bag of Dove chocolates! U.S. entries only. Not open internationally.

Giveaway #2

For her second giveaway, Jaye is offering 3 ebook copies of No Chance Meeting. Open internationally!

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Schedule

Friday, February 14

Saturday, February 15

Sunday, February 16

Monday, February 17

Tuesday, February 18

Wednesday, February 19

Thursday, February 20

Friday, February 21

Saturday, February 22

Tour Wrap Up at Jaye Elliot

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Blog Tour & Book Review: Servant Sons & Daughters by Anastasya Laverdiere

/ ladygrace19 / Leave a comment

Good morning, sisters and brothers in Christ! Happy Easter! How glorious that we serve a risen Savior! ❤

Today I’m very excited to bring you my review of Servant Sons and Daughters: Serving Father God from a Place of Sonship by Anastasya Laverdiere as part of a book blog tour!

Read more about this book, and the author and her music, below! Also, enter the GIVEAWAY! 🙂 By the way, her song, Draw Me Away, is so beautiful! I’ve listened to it over and over again.

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About the Book

Are you experiencing the deep peace and joy that connection with God as your Father can bring? Are you confident in His presence? Do you feel your worth and value to God ebbs and flows according to how “good” or “bad” you are?

Working for God is hard. Trying to serve Him from a distance is even harder.

Speaking from personal experience, Anastasya Laverdiere conveys the message that the life of service and devotion to God must come from relationship with Him as His child to experience the fullness of what He offers. Servant Sons and Daughters builds a strong biblical basis to receive life-changing revelation of our true identity and inheritance as God’s children.

If you long for deeper intimacy with God, Servant Sons and Daughters is a journey into the heart He has towards you and an invitation to receive His best for you in every area of your life.

Buy on Amazon

Servants Sons and Daughters Book Trailer

About the Author

Anastasya Laverdiere is a Canadian worship leader, songwriter, Christian Recording Artist and writer whose desire is to know God more and make Him known. Anastasya enjoys encouraging others from her blog called “In the Garden” which focuses on identity and relationship with God the Father.

She hopes that every form of her writings will inspire others to draw closer to the Father to receive revelation of His open arms. She loves to release faith and see passionate and genuine worship ascend to the Lord from hearts en-kindled by His love. Aside from writing and leading worship, Anastasya enjoys sipping green tea, cooking and road trips!

Twitter: @AnastasyaLea

Instagram: @AnastasyaLea

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anastasyalaverdiere

Anastasya Laverdiere – Draw Me Away (Lyric Video)

My Personal Review ~ 4.5 stars ~

What a simply wonderful book! I feel like Servant Sons and Daughters: Serving Father God from a Place of Sonship by Anastasya Laverdiere is a book that the Christian community can truly benefit from. It speaks some essential truths about our identity as Christians and taking hold of all that God offers us when we become part of His family by Jesus’ blood – abundant life!

Without security in our position with God, we cannot fully live out our callings to their potential. It is a debilitating thing to try living without an inner sense of being loved and accepted, and no less debilitating to try to serve a Holy God from a distance. (Servant Sons & Daughters by Anastasya Laverdiere)

This book drew me in right away, touching my heart deeply. I love how the author meshes the ideas of being God’s beloved child with serving Him & walking in righteousness. So beautiful. Servant Sons & Daughters was a comfort and inspiration, and I kept thinking of people I wanted to buy it for! I also shared snippets of it with my young adult Bible study group, as we are talking about God’s love and our identity.

Anastasya Laverdiere has a lovely voice in writing. And depth and wisdom to share! I found lots of beautiful and meaningful content and did lots of highlighting!

But we must receive it because of the love and graciousness of the Father. We must take Him at His word and arm ourselves against the lies of the enemy and even our own flesh that would seek to enslave us to shame and guilt. (Servant Sons & Daughters by Anastasya Laverdiere)

Servant Sons & Daughters talks about embracing our identity as children of God. Understanding what that means for us (example: we have the power of the Holy Spirit living in us). And yes … serving Him with joy from a secure position of cherished daughter. We journey through stories about Joshua from the Old Testament, and the prodigal son from one of Jesus’ parables. It was really neat how Anastasya dissected the story of the prodigal son and used it to bring this book and its points to light.

I also appreciated the knowledge and research put into this. Definitions of words are expounded upon, stories unpacked, Greek words in Bible passages talked about, etc. I really like that.

This word “Abba” carries the instruction to seek out an “affectionate, dependent relationship” with our Father in which we recognize His power and majesty but also His desire to come close. (Servant Sons & Daughters by Anastasya Laverdiere)

If we do not recognize what Christ has won for us, we will stay beneath the stuff we are actually “seated above”. (Servant Sons & Daughters by Anastasya Laverdiere)

I very much enjoyed this Christian Living book. It was spectacular. I was blessed. It had me searching the Scripture and understanding anew His Truth. It had me increasingly joyful and thankful, thinking about the glorious fact that He wants me. I’m His daughter. I think Anastasya Laverdiere did a wonderful job and I believe God can use it in powerful ways! Such a needed message!

This was always His plan, to be your Father and to have you as His child. His church is a family in which you belong! Let your heart exclaim truly, “I was always wanted. Now I am His and He is mine … forever! (Servant Sons & Daughters by Anastasya Laverdiere)

Wear His love with confidence. (Servant Sons & Daughters by Anastasya Laverdiere)

I will definitely read more by this author if she comes out with other books!

I received a copy of Servants Sons & Daughters from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway

Enter the giveaway for a paperback copy of Servant Sons and Daughters, as well as a bookmark! Follow this link to fill out the rafflecopter form.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, March 26th

Book Review by Heidi at www.thecaffeinatedbibliophile.com

Tuesday, March 27th

Guest Post at Savoring Single https://savoringsingleblog.wordpress.com/

+ Giveaway at http://imgoingonanadventure15.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, March 28th

Book Review, Guest Post and Giveaway at http://amongthereads.net/

Thursday, March 29th

Author Interview and Giveaway at www.purelyunorthodox.com

Friday, March 30th

Author Interview at https://jesusisworthitall.weebly.com/for-writers

Saturday, March 31st

Author Interview at www.rileyaline.com

Sunday, April 1st

Book Review and Giveaway at https://ladygracesite.wordpress.com/

Book Review: Savoring Single by Shelley Black + Thoughts on Waiting

/ ladygrace19 / Leave a comment

Good morning, my lovely readers! Today I come to you as part of the blog tour for Shelley Black’s beautiful book, Savoring Single! I truly enjoyed reading this unique book which explores the topic of the season of singleness, and I have my personal review of it below!

Plus a giveaway!

But first, I want to share some of my own thoughts on “singleness”, being in a “season of waiting”, and all such things.

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For those of us who have a heart’s longing to be married, the topic of singleness can be a hard one. We don’t necessarily want to read books and listen to sermons on singleness, as they often force us to feel like single is all of who we are. We tire of hearing all the questions of: “So … are you dating anyone yet?” and the onslaught of well-meaning but counter-productive comments and advice.

It can be hurtful. Frustrating. Even embarrassing. It can make us feel “behind” in life. Lacking. Missing something. Not complete. Not part of something. Not belonging. Or it just makes the painful “wait” even more painful, because we truly have a God-given desire for marriage and a family of our own.

I had a thought as I pondered this one day. You know, perhaps we’re going about it all wrong when we call ourselves “single” as if our relationship status defines who we are. And “in a season of waiting” as if once we get married, we’ll have arrived.

I don’t like “single” to define me, because it often is associated with negativity. The truth is, my identity is child of the King. Adopted daughter of the perfect Father. Beloved of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Bride of the Lamb.

Beautifully made by the Creator. Chosen by the one true God. Accepted by the Holy One, by grace through faith.

Loved. Wanted. Accepted. Beautiful. Chosen. Belonging. Complete. Secure.

I am not married, but “single” and “still waiting” doesn’t/shouldn’t define who I am. I shouldn’t feel looked down upon, not enough, or not part of something – not having yet “arrived”. I am part of God’s eternal family. I have a purpose and a beautiful life right now. I would love to be married someday, but that doesn’t mean that right now I’m lacking or my life is on hold.

…Which brings me to the next point.

Why always call singleness a “season of waiting”? Isn’t almost every part of life a season of waiting? Waiting to graduate high school. Waiting to find that community of believers to be a part of. Waiting to find the one your soul loves. Waiting to get your college education and start your career. Waiting for physical or emotional healing. Waiting to develop your God-given mission. Waiting to have the children you long for.

We’re always waiting, and learning, and developing, and growing, and seeking, and working toward something.

It’s not like once you meet the man God has for you and get married … well, the wait is over! The season of … completeness and happily ever after has come!

No. There’ll be more seasons of waiting. And trusting. Having faith and leaning on God when you can’t figure out how the future’s going to be and how everything is going to work out. Seasons of slowly making progress and working toward healthy and good and God-given goals and dreams.

And this is not a bad thing! As long as we are inviting God into this and thriving joyfully in Him, no matter what we are waiting for!

Completeness, wholeness, comes when the Bride is united with her eternal Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. When there is a new heaven and new earth. Then, the season of waiting will finally be over.

That all being said, I suppose my point is, don’t look at your “unmarried years” as such a season of waiting.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with studying and hoping and preparing to be a wife, mother, etc.

But, there are all sorts of seasons in your life, and one is not necessarily a “step up” from the other. Each can be beautiful and meaningful and powerful, if you let it be. God can do lovely, amazing things in each season. Preparing you, and wooing you, and growing you, and delighting in you, and using you in His incredible plan, and taking care of you, and making you more like Him. He is by your side in every season; and in every season, our first and deep desire should be to grow closer to Him – to glorify His name and seek first His kingdom! ❤

So thrive in Him today, wherever you are, beautiful reader.

Read Some More of My Posts on Singleness, Relationships & Marriage:

I Was Created For …

Finding Joy in the Lover of My Soul

Practicing Purity & Pursuing Righteousness in Romantic Relationships

Boys … Can We Just Be Friends?

Thoughts on Dating and Marriage

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My Personal Review ~ 5 stars ~

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Title: Savoring Single

Author: Shelley Black

Genre: Christian Living

Audience: Older Teen & Adult Women

Published: December 7th, 2017

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A wonderfully encouraging read! I’m truly grateful that I was given the chance to read and review Savoring Single by Shelley Black. To be honest, it wasn’t the kind of book I’d usually find myself dying to read, but when I was contacted about reviewing it, the simply lovely cover enticed me. And I was curious to know if a book like this could actually help me in my season of life.

“Being single has its difficulties and challenges and hard days, but so does every other season of life.” (Savoring Single by Shelley Black)

I was somewhat surprised, and delighted, to find that it did! I think some readers have referred to Savoring Single as “refreshing”, and I so agree! It encouraged me to be okay with me and thrive in life right now. It gave me hope for the future. It did not mock my desire to be married, but sweetly reminded me that marriage is not the goal and God can do beautiful and wonderful things in my life in this moment!

“We need to be loved, valued, treasured and pursued. We need to know that we are beautiful. But we need it most from Him. Knowing God and walking in relationship with Him will answer every single one of these desires of your heart.” (Savoring Single by Shelley Black)

Each chapter started with a prayer. Shelley Black shared her personal experiences and stories; her struggles and growth. There were lots of Scripture verses and references throughout.

She talked about having an intimate relationship with God, going on adventures, pursuing your passions, friendship, idols, boundaries, and sexuality. One of the main themes of the book was God’s adoration of you and His plan that you should have a close, personal, and fulfilling relationship with Him. You are His dearly loved daughter! And though He may very well have marriage and a man in His plans for you, He longs for you to know His perfect love for you and His place as your eternal Bridegroom. The truth is, we won’t be satisfied and filled until we let Him fill us.

“Love according to the Word of God begins first in relationship with God. Then it flows through us and into others.” (Savoring Single by Shelley Black)

Shelley Black has a lot of practical and heartfelt wisdom and ideas, I feel. It was just … encouraging! Reviving. Fun. Thoughtful. Deep. Sweet. I enjoyed returning to the pages of Savoring Single each day.

“Sometimes we can ask for some crazy things that a loving Father just knows better than to give us.” (Savoring Single by Shelley Black)

Not to say I agreed with everything or found everything to be absolutely helpful. I can’t say that about any Christian Living book I’ve read! The chapter in Savoring Single on finances didn’t resound with me as much as the rest of the book, but that’s okay. It still had some helpful points. Shelley Black definitely has a different personality than me. She’s a go-getter, all about big adventures, and seems passionate about having lots of money to use for God’s kingdom. I suspect my story’s meant to play out a little differently, but I can appreciate her aspirations and zeal, and the beauty of her own powerful, unique story!

“This means we choose how He would choose, even if it costs us.” (Savoring Single by Shelley Black)

Overall, Savoring Single was a fabulous book. I highly recommend to women in the season of singleness. It was inspiring and hopeful. And I just want to share it with any sisters who have struggled like I have, so perhaps they can understand more fully that waiting on God’s timing for marriage is beautiful. And learn to thrive in life right now. Know that they are not lost or behind in the journey. And there is hope and passion and joy. And they are completely loved, here and now. There is so much beauty in store for you in this season, and every season! Love being right where God has you.

“Single now or single forever God is good and the more our perspective aligns with His, the more we will live this life fully no matter our status.” (Savoring Single by Shelley Black)

Shelley Black truly is a beautiful soul and an inspiration to me. Can’t wait to share this book!

In the end of Savoring Single, it encourages you to do a study on love, and there is a list of all the Bible verses talking about love. I look forward to spending some time pondering true love! ^_^

I received a copy of Savoring Single from the author in exchange for my honest review.

“Singleness. Dating. Marriage. Kids. Careers. Hobbies. Memories. Dreams. Each flow out of that one purpose to know God! Being single and not knowing Christ is empty. Being married and not knowing Christ is empty. Having kids without knowing God is still empty. Careers and hobbies without a relationship with God is still empty.” (Savoring Single by Shelley Black)

Purchase on Amazon

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About The Author

Shelley Black has journeyed through being single longer than she expected and has since found joy, hope and purpose from a once begrudged season. She now challenges the status quo of what it means to be single as a modern-day Christian female, with a passion to infuse hope and restore joy to every single-girl heart. Shelley is a loving momma to her pup Lucy, is one proud “T” to six nieces and nephews and serves her local church in North Mississippi as the worship leader. Find her at SavoringSingle.com and across social media at SavoringSingle.

Official Website

www.savoringsingle.com

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule

Feb 1st ~ Original Post by Abby – www.worthmorethangoldsite.wordpress.com

PARTY – Live Chat on Instagram at 7 EST.

Feb 2nd ~ Original Post by Jessica  – jessicasummeroverstreet.com

Feb 3rd ~ Spotlight post and Giveaway – madigrace.org

Feb 4th ~ Original post from Shelley – http://www.southkakalakigirl.com/the-blog

Feb 5th ~ Book Review by Isabella – www.jesusisworthitall.weebly.com

Feb 6th ~ Original post from Shelley – http://www.thedifferentgirl.com

Feb 7th ~ Original post from Amanda – https://blogsbychristianwomen.com

Feb 8th ~ Book Review and Author Interview – www.purelyunorthodox.com

Feb 9th ~ Spotlight Post & Giveaway – https://www.sylviacney.com

Feb 10th ~ Original Post by Sarah Beth – www.lovesarahbethblog.wordpress.com

Feb 10th ~ Original Post by Kaityn – www.theshoe19.blogspot.com

Feb 11th ~ Original Post & Book Giveaway  www.delightinginhimblog.wordpress.com

Feb 12th ~ Book Review and Original Post from Shelley – amongthereads.net

Feb 13th ~ Original Post by Kara and Giveaway – savedbygrace7.blogspot.com

Feb 14th ~ Author Interview –  www.writingsfromagodgirl.wordpress.com

Feb 15th ~ Book Review from Heidi – www.thecaffeinatedbibliophile.com

PARTY – Author Interview on Google+/YouTube at 7 EST.

Feb 16th ~ Original Post from Katie – www.kjsonline.wordpress.com

Feb 17th ~ Original Post by Moriah – growthbygrace.wordpress.com

Feb 18th ~ Book Review, Author Interview and Giveaway – https://ohsopriceless.wixsite.com/blog

Victoria – Spotlight – https://rufflesandgrace.com

Feb 19th ~ Original post by Shelley – uniquelymarieblog.wordpress.com

Feb 20th ~ Book Review – youaresaltandlightblog.wordpress.com

Feb 21st ~ Book Review – ordinarygirlextraordinaryfather.blogspot.com

Feb 22nd ~ Book Review – https://themostlytrueadventuresofemily.wordpress.com/

Feb 23rd ~ Original Post by Lydia – spoonfulofsurprises.wordpress.com

Feb 24th ~ Original Post by Mandie – calledtoliveradically.blogspot.ca

Feb 25th ~ Spotlight post and Giveaway – http://livkfisher.blogspot.com/

Feb 26th ~ Book Review – Ainsleyhope.wordpress.com

Feb 27th ~ Guest post from Shelley and Giveaway – http://englishmysteriesblog.blogspot.com/

Feb 28th ~ Original post by Shantelle, Book Review and Giveaway – https://ladygracesite.wordpress.com/

March 1st ~ Original Post by Chloe – Sweetnesswithchristweb.wordpress.com

March 2nd ~ Spotlight Post and Giveaway – www.livylynnblog.com

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