The Girl on the Tombstone by Betty Weatherby Book Blast

Presented by Celebrate Lit

Back Cover Synopsis

Wilhelmina Sukovich is curious and determined to have her own By Line in the Sacramento Bee. Aged out at the Children’s Home Society orphanage, she attends night school and works herself up in the newspaper hierarchy. Her first big break comes as an assignment takes her to the small mountain town of San Andreas in the Gold Country of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. She searches out her father’s gravesite only to mysteriously be drawn to the artistry of an ancient tombstone nearby, Eliza Osbourne, 1868. Formidable ranchers and a widow befriend her in her quest to fulfill her assignment for school children and search for Eliza’s roots. World War II veteran, Charles, rescues Will from her misadventures. Who is he and why is he such a recluse? Why has he taken it upon himself to see she is safe?

Author Bio

Miss Weatherby holds a BA from California State University, Stanislaus. She earned her teacher’s credentials from Chapman University, as well as a cross-cultural language and academic development certificate from Sacramento State University.

She is an active member of Sierra Baptist Church, in Pioneer, California and travels extensively.

Betty Ruth Weatherby currently lives with her dog, Buttons, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Visit on facebook.

Purchase link:

https://amzn.to/2N2TMxf

Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/bettyruth.weatherby

https://amzn.to/2tLIW5J

I really enjoy historical books that give me glimpses into the past. This book has good characters and a story line that kept me intrigued. The setting is in the early 1950s and filled with facts that make you feel right there with Wilhelmina.She  is looking for a break in the publishing world. She has a strong determination to see her name in the Sacramento Bee. I loved how she snooped around looking for the perfect story. It was certainly hard for her to catch a break since she was new in town. 

Her background was interesting and I wondered how hard it must have been for her to grown up in an orphanage. What was it like for her to never be adopted and to not have a real family? The story gets going when Wilhelmina finds out that someone has discovered a skeleton in a mine. Will this be the big break she has been looking for? Who is the mysterious skeleton that seems to have been forgotten? If I found a skeleton, I know I would stand there in shock wondering what to do next.  The mine was damp, dirty and filled with bugs that  I don't want to think about. When a journal is found in the mine, that really piqued my curiosity. This story became my focus for the rest of the evening. I had to know who the skeleton was, what the journal said and what facts from the past Wilhelmina finds out.

The story takes us to different places and people who become very important t the story Will as she likes to be called. I loved the time she spent in the cabin  and really liked Charles. He seems kind of mysterious at times. Charles  becomes a big help to Will as she seeks answers about the past. I liked his protectiveness and how he always was willing to help Will out. I loved the twists in the story and the incredible details that made the story so inviting . It is a great adventure and I really enjoyed the many characters. The only thing I had a problem with was I wanted the story to not end. I really felt a connection with some of the characters as the history of the  families  intertwine with each other. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Navigating the Mayhem of Motherhood

Debora M. Coty throws a life-preserver to moms drowning in the “stress-pool of life”

Tampa, FL — No one is immune to stress, least of all

moms. That’s why Debora M. Coty, author of the best-selling Too Blessed to be Stressed
series decided it was time to write an edition specifically addressing the stresses
and needs in the daily life of moms. In Too Blessed to be Stressed for Moms
(Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of
Barbour Publishing/September 1, 2018/ISBN: 978-1-68322-410-5/$12.99),
Coty offers empathy, laughs, real-life stories, practical parenting survival tips,
and fresh biblical insights to help frazzled moms of all ages hear God’s still, small voice through life’s chaos.

“During my travels as a women’s event speaker since
Too Blessed to be Stressed came out, I’ve encountered many, many women
who’ve expressed frustration with specific stressors common to
the ‘hood (motherhood),” Coty explains. “Too Blessed to be Stressed for Moms is me
throwing a life preserver to mothers of all ages who feel
like they’re drowning in the stress-pool of life. This life preserver really
and truly helps a woman keep her head above water; it’s made of empathy,
good reasons to laugh out loud and lots of encouragement.”

With her own offbeat brand of wit and self-described “near-wisdom,”
Coty, a popular inspirational humorist, addresses heart needs of moms
who would be millionaires if they could only make busyness a business.
In her beloved mom-to-mom, grin-provoking style, Coty equips moms with
simple-to-implement tips for attaining the peace all moms crave—the peace that
passes all understanding.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33 NIV

“We moms constantly deal with unexpected disruptions, overflows,
explosions, implosions, boo-boos, bodily fluids not our own,

emergencies that aren’t, emergencies that are, and uncharted potholes that
careen us off our preferred path. It’s all part of the job description,” writes Coty.
“To add insult to misery, the countless things we do for our families often go
unnoticed and unappreciated. Sigh. What a comfort to know that the Creator of
all things sees everything, no matter how small.”

Coty is quick to point out that her books are not written for women who
feel as if they have-it-all-together, but for the scattered and tattered,
scarred and scared. She tackles topics such as mom-guilt, worry, time management,
emotional damage control, finding room to breathe, and simply being enough.
She also examines stress related to attitude, patience (or lack thereof) and parenting styles.

Chapters also address how moms need to give themselves permission to take
care of their own needs and how they must forgive and let-go of any parenting
mistakes they have made in the past—because everyone has made mistakes.
One chapter even explores how in this electronics-driven world, it is necessary to
be more intentional, not only to gain control over stressors, but for the physical,
social, emotional health and development of the children.

“If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” ~ Ecclesiastes 11:4 TLB

For moms in the trenches, convinced they are doing it all wrong, Coty offers
them the same witty and sage advice she gave her own daughter. “It’s your job to be a better
mother than you had. It was my job and my mother’s and her mother’s before her.
Keep all the good stuff and improve on the bad. One day in the future, maybe
one of our descendants will get it right.”

Discussion questions at the end of each chapter allow readers to delve deeper
into the subjects addressed. The questions can also be used in a group setting for a women’s Bible study.

Learn more about Too Blessed to be Stressed for Moms at deboracoty.com.

Advance Praise

“Clever, entertaining, and filled with godly mom-tools. This book is just what a
crazy-stressed mom needs… Debora Coty offers some sweet chuckles between the
pages of this book. Some poignant moments too. But it’s more than either of those things.
Along with the smiles and a gasp of surprise or a tear-dab, we find practical, biblical
how-tos to help us deal successfully with the crazy of motherhood—all by and through
the power of Christ.”

~ Rhonda Rhea, TV personality, humor columnist, and
author of Turtles in the Road and Fix-Her-Upper

“Debora Coty’s done it again—she’s hijacked the humor in motherhood.
And through the laughter, Debora weaves support, reassurance, and encouragement
for every beleaguered mom, while morphing the funny to functional with tips
and questions designed to help moms unpack the beat-myself-up baggage we’ve
all carried at one time or another. Don’t miss this book!”

~ Deb DeArmond, speaker and award-winning author of I Choose You Today
and Don’t Go to Bed Angry: Stay Up and Fight!

“In Too Blessed to be Stressed for Moms, Deb uses her delightful gift of storytelling
to deliver another round of well-timed truth that nourishes us right where we are,
while gently nudging us ever closer to our good, good Father.”

~ Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, speaker and author of Devotions for the Hungry Heart

About the Author

Debora M. Coty is an inspirational speaker and author of the popular book series, 
Too Blessed to be Stressed,
with more than half a million copies sold. Her passion is sharing a blend
of biblical truth gift-wrapped in humor, encouragement, and unconventional
wisdom with women of all ages. She believes that the stresses of life become
manageable when we truly understand God’s blessings.
Her wit and insights have helped thousands
of women float rather sink in the stress-pool of life, know
God deeper, refresh a tired spirit and
attain a peace that passes understanding.

Coty is a sought-after speaker for conferences, retreats, and banquets. She believes laughter is
the best medicine and uses a lighthearted approach to share
practical tips for attaining peace and discovering healing,
refreshment and revitalization of the spirit, body and mind.
In addition to the series of Too Blessed to be Stressed products
(including books, devotionals, journals, planners, cookbook and adult coloring book), she is also
the author of several other books for women.

Coty considers herself a tennis junkie and “choco-athlete,” which means
she exercises just so she can eat more chocolate! She is a retired piano teacher
and orthopedic occupational therapist. She currently lives, loves, and laughs in
central Florida with her husband, Chuck. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.

Readers can connect with Debora M. Coty via her website, deboracoty.com,
or on Facebook (AuthorDeboraCoty), Twitter (DeboraCoty) and Instagram (DeboraCoty).

 Online “How Stressed are You?” Quiz


Click on link book trailer for video

Sampler



From the moment I started this book, I have enjoyed reading every page. The Introduction is well worth reading and includes a Stress Test For Moms Quiz. I did take it, but I don't think I will share what i got. Let's just say as a mom, I seem to be stressed more than I realized. What a great statement she makes emphasizing that even though as new mothers we think we are the worst, we really aren't. New mothers will stress over everything which to me just shows how loving and protective we are towards our children.

The author has great tools to helps mothers feel more comfortable in their journey. I really liked the Navigate the 'Hood (the Motherhood) at the end of each chapter. These are great questions to think on and help you absorb the chapters with more understanding. I like that the questions make you really look at yourself and help you see what changes you may want to make in your thinking.

I really enjoyed Chapter seven when the author talked about Hidden Wounds. As a new mom, I carried deep wounds from my childhood. When i had my first child, I loved him so much I would have done anything to keep him safe. There was no one there for me when I was growing up, and I was determined that each of my children would know and feel my love as a mother. The chapter really encourages us to let those hidden wounds out and get healing. It also helps me to realize that "healing is a process."

There is so much great nuggets of encouragement and information in this book that I encourage each of you to take your time reading the book. The author has written a great book that will bless everyone that reads it. It is definitely a must read  for every mother who struggles, feels inadequate or needs encouragement. The book is easy to read and the author uses humor to help share her wisdom.

I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra blogger program. The review is my own opinion.

No one is immune to stress, least of all moms. That’s why Debora M. Coty, author of the best-selling Too Blessed to be Stressed series decided it was time to write an edition specifically addressing the stresses and needs in the daily life of moms. In Too Blessed to be Stressed for Moms (Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing), Deb offers empathy, laughs, real-life stories, practical parenting survival tips, and fresh biblical insights to help frazzled moms of all ages hear God’s still, small voice through life’s chaos.

To celebrate the release of Too Blessed to Be Stressed for Moms and to bless a mom that needs to de-stress, Deb is giving away a “Take a Day for Mom” $75 VISA Cash Card. The card can be used by a mom for a day of pampering or just getting away and enjoying a day to herself. Do you need a day away or know a mom who does? (Is that a trick question?) Then, enter the giveaway and share it with all your friends. (Another little secret… you don’t have to prove you are a mom in order to win!)

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY a Rafflecopter giveaway Tour schedule Feeling in Red 9/24 Working Mommy Journal 9/24 For Him and My Family 9/27 Lighthouse Academy 9/27 Texas Book-aholic 9/28 My Table of Three 9/29 Growing in Grace FB Bible study page              9/30 I am believing God 9/30 Heck Of A Bunch 10/1 Once Upon a Storyville 10/1 The Little Friar 10/1 bless their hearts mom 10/2 Moments 10/2 The Forgiven Former Feminist 10/2 A Peace of Mind 10/3 Locks, Hooks and Books 10/3 Loraine D. Nunley, Author 10/3 EmpowerMoms 10/4 Happily Managing a Household of Boys 10/4 SK Bell 10/5 Joyful Wife Life 10/6 Mommy Ramblings 10/6 Side Hustle and Save 10/7 This Mom's Delight 10/8 alwaysjoart 10/9 Book Babble 10/10 Cheryl's Book Blog 10/10 Janice's Book Reviews 10/10 Red Headed Book Lady 10/10 When life gets you down....read a book 10/10 Running Through the Storms 10/11 A Day Of Small Things 10/12 Buzz4Mommies 10/12 Did you Hear About the Morgans? 10/12 Give Me Today 10/12 The Librarian's Bookshelf 10/12

For interview information, contact:  

Audra Jennings, Publicist

903.874.8363 - ajenningspr@gmail.com

SHADOWS FROM THE PAST by ASHLEY DAWN BOOK BLAST

PRESENTED by CELEBRATE LIT

Shadows from the Past

Back Cover Synopsis:

“…It is the price you pay for choosing to be a cop. Your brother’s life…”

Those words haunt her dreams, and her waking moments. LAPD officer, Aurora Kavvan cannot rest until she finds her brothers killer. Digging into the past always brings back unpleasant things: memories, guilt…the hit man. Now she is in a race against time to find the murderer before he finds her.

“Kill her. I don’t care how, and I don’t care where, but I want her dead now!”

Someone was trying to kill his dead partner’s sister. FBI agent, Jordan Reiley will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves. Even if it means going against her wishes; putting himself between her and the man who murdered her brother.

Will God keep them alive long enough for them to find the truth?

Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent's office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.

Ashley has been writing professionally for the past twelve years and has three published books. Her Shadows Series include Shadows From The Past, Shadows of Suspicion, Shadows of Pain, and Shadows of Deception. She is currently working on multiple projects including the fifth in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled “Shadows in Black and White” and also a standalone suspense titled ‘One of Their Own’. She and her family make their home in Texas.

Purchase link:

https://amzn.to/2tL10wG

Social Media:

www.facebook.com/authorashleydawn

www.ashleydawn-author.com

https://twitter.com/authoradawn 

 It is not easy being a police officer and there is danger lurking everyday as they go out to protect us. Aurora is a tough woman determined to find out who killed her brother five years ago. I love her fierce strength and never give up attitude. When her life is in danger, her ex-fiance comes to protect her.  I was a bit discouraged at how much the author focused on Aurora at times and didn't seem to solve any of her inner turmoil. I understand that her brother was murdered but I wanted more realistic emotions from her. It was no surprise that Aurora and Jordan would try to rekindle their relationship and I wanted the author to not focus on that so much.

Jordan is a great FBI agent  and has been haunted by his breakup with Aurora. I wasn't surprised that an ex would be the one to protect Aurora and that became kind of the theme of the book. Too many predictable plots and way too much "poor me" moments for my taste. One redeeming quality was the scriptures the author uses and how the characters saw the need to turn to Him.

The basic story line is finding Lance's killer who in turn will be the ones after Aurora and Jordan. It was a huge buildup to the suspect, but I knew it was going to be someone close to Aurora. I couldn't quite get how she suddenly discovered who it was by re reading her report. What did someone try to hide that she suddenly found by shear luck? 

I did like the way the author showed how people can deceive you even when you think they are like family. It shows how we can all fall for a lie, but it's up to us to forgive them.
 I don't want readers to think this is not a good book to try out. I did like the intense scenes at the end and the way the characters each had to decide to forgive the person who had betrayed them. I was disappointed in how the dirty cop was "taken down." There could have been so many different ways to write that scene, but for a first book it was not surprising. I am going to read her other book and see if her writing skills have changed. It's not a bad first attempt and I will be anxious to see what she has in store in the next book.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.




"Everything is in God's hands."