Beauty from Ashes by Alana Terry

About the Book

Name of book: Beauty from Ashes

Author: Alana Terry

Genre: Christian Women’s Lit

Release Date: July, 2017

A baby was never part of Tiff’s plans. Especially not a sick baby in a NICU, struggling for life on a ventilator.

As days in the hospital turn to weeks, Tiff grows more and more convinced that God is punishing her for turning her back on him so many years ago. Or is it possible he’s working in the midst of her daughter’s bleak prognosis to draw Tiff back to himself once more?

The Orchard Grove Christian Women’s Fiction books are standalone literary novels about real-life believers facing real-life struggles. You won’t meet perfect saints whose lives are faultless models of the Christian faith. Instead, you’ll meet a perfect God whose plans of redemption are far more glorious than what the mortal mind could ever imagine.

Lori's Review

I have started this review many times.

I wanted to do this book justice  and I do want to say that this book is very emotional and will have you crying.

There are sevveral things in the book that I can relate to. 

First, the mother in law thing. I have one and she's a very big pain in my side!! 

Nothing I do isn't good enough not even me for her son. She thinks he can do no wrong. And even how I went as far as dressing my son. She would change his outfit everytime he'd go for a visit. She didn't like what I put on him and it's been that way ever since and he's almost 16!

Two the foster care business. I wasn't in foster care but my parents took in many foster children. ( My was I ever jealous bc they paid more attention to them than me!)

I admire Tiff and all that she went through! I think she turned out all right in the end. I also  believe that she got all the blessings.

I also admired that she kept referring to that special person in her life. It's like she looked up to her or  something. 
My special person was my Mom and Grandmother.
All I can say is God bless Tiff and I believe He did! Even though sometimes she thought she couldn't see or feel them. I feel the same way sometimes.
This really wasn't my cup of tea, because I don't like present tense and seemed depressing at times. But, those are my preferences and how I related to the book so it might not be that way for you.

I apologize for the big letters but, I can't correct them. I have no idea what I did. 

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Alana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every 

second.

Guest Post from Alana Terry

Click here to see the special video message from Alana

“You better come in,” I told my husband. “The doctors don’t think he’s going to make it.”

Not the kind of conversation you want to have with anyone at one o’clock in the morning. I was spending the night at the hospital with our nine-month-old baby Silas and hadn’t left the hospital complex in days. Scott was home with our toddler trying to get some sleep.

And our son Silas was dying.

Raising a medically-fragile baby changed me like nothing else ever has. Thankfully, Silas pulled through that horrific evening, but that didn’t mean life was sugar and cream from then on.

As anyone with experience knows, it’s hard work being a special-needs mom.

And it can devastate a marriage.

Thankfully, God brought my husband and me through those nearly impossible first few years while Silas was in and out of the hospital with no guarantee of his survival.

And he continued to sustain us through even more years of therapy, hospital visits, and medical tests.

And now we have a happy marriage, a healthy boy, and hearts full of gratitude for all God’s done for us.

But I never want to forget where we were.

The depths God delivered us out of.

The despair that would have overwhelmed us if God hadn’t been our strength and our support.

Writing Beauty from Ashes was one way to remind myself of those difficulties God brought us through. It’s not strictly autobiographical, but the baby in this novel went through a very similar traumatic birth experience as Silas did, and all the health issues — including that night in the hospital when I truly thought we were going to lose our baby — are based on the trials we went through when Silas was young.

I wrote Beauty from Ashes because we all need to be reminded every now and then that even though life can be impossibly hard, even though there’s no guarantee our children will grow up and love Christ and make good choices with their lives or even survive until adulthood at all, God is good, and he will sustain us through all the trials we have to endure.

I think that’s why Beauty from Ashes resonates so much with Christian readers hungry for more than a simple story with a happily-ever-after ending, like these readers:

“…by far some of the best Christian fiction I’ve read.” Amy L, author

” … a story that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.” ~ Jaime Hampton, award-winning author of Malnourished

“I didn’t think it was possible that the author could write any better than she already does … This is a book I will never forget … She writes with realism and doesn’t pull any punches … Every time I read a book from this author, my faith grows.” Deana at Texas Bookaholic

I hope you’ll take a chance to grab your own copy of Beauty from Ashes today, and don’t forget to watch the video and enter to win the $100 gift card to christianbooks.com.

Because Christian fiction should encourage, edify, and inspire.

And because God is big enough to carry all our burdens.

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, November 19

A Greater Yes, November 19

Reading is My Superpower, November 20

Mary Hake, November 20

allofakindmom, November 21

Mommynificent, November 22

Seasons of opportunities, November 22

The Fizzy Pop Collection, November 23

Karen Sue Hadley, November 23

Christian Bookaholic, November 24

Carpe Diem, November 25

Blogging With Carol, November 26

Lots of Helpers, November 26

Reader’s cozy corner, November 27

Moments Dipped in Ink, November 27

Janices book reviews, November 28

Bigreadersite, November 28

Red Headed Book Lady, November 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, November 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 30

Pause for Tales, December 1

The Power of Words, December 2

Zerina Blossom’s Books, December 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Alana is giving away a grand prize of a $100 CBD gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c3c1

Charming the Troublemaker by Pepper Basham

About the Book

Title: Charming the Troublemaker

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 1, 2017

Troublemaking never looked so good…

When Dr. Alex Murdock is demoted to a university in rural Virginia, the last thing he expects to find is a future. But country charm never looks as good as it does on Rainey Mitchell.

Rainey Mitchell doesn’t need a high-class flirt in her wounded world, but trouble and temptations wafts off the new professor as strong as his sandalwood-scented cologne.

When circumstances thrust them together to save her tutoring clinic, can the troublemaker find the hero inside and encourage the reticent Rainey to open her heart again.

LORI'S REVIEW

Pepper once again has done an excellent job of brining your characters to life! 
I also can't say enough ab ou the book cover. (I'm such a sucker for beautiful book covers) 
Although I feel like I'm a little lost bcuz I didn't get to read a Twist of Faith.
Sarah is such a cutie!! Some of her antics remind me of my niece. I would love to have her energy!!
I think I'm going to be like Rainy I'm juding Alex at first. 
I mean even I didn't like him at first!! 
I do wish I had a big family like Rainy. I think I'd be in heaven 
Alex is really cute but think I  like his car much much better lol!! I have a car and we named her Gabby Lou. 
I about died when someone hit her today. She's our baby. 
So I understood Alex along those lines.
We all have hurts that we try to cover up so therefore it is easy to cover up and act like someone we're not.  That's why we have to have our faith that God can help is through. 
I admired that about Rainy's mom. My mom was similar to Rainy mom.  Most especially in her faith. Mom had a lot of health issues but she still kept getting up and getting things done. She never complained. I said to myself, when I grow up I want to be just like my mom!!
I didn't like a few things in the story.
My least favorite was the scene with Grant. Sometimes men can be such bullies!
But other men can be really sweet like Alex if you take time out to know them. 
Like her mom says through our the book "All men aren't the same." 
Will Alex and Rainy get together? Can they get along long enough to work together? 
You'll have to read this book in order to find out!!
I enjoyed this story!!  I strongly recommend this book for people who love contemporary Christian Pepper what's next in line? 

I received this book for free. No compensation was received and all opinions are my own!!

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes novels inspired by her love for history and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her Penned in Time series has garnered recognition in the Inspys, Grace Awards, and the ACFW Carol Awards. Her contemporary romance novel, A Twist of Faith, received 4-stars from Romantic Times, and most recently, her newest release, The Thorn Healer, received a Top Pick from RT with 4 ½ stars. Her newest contemporary romance, Just the Way You Are, releases in April 2016. You can get to know Pepper on Facebook, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley, or Instagram.

Guest Post from Pepper Basham

I have a thing for underdogs.

Misfits.

Lots souls who desperately need to find where they belong.

I can’t help it! Call it a ‘fix-it’ mentality or an awareness that God rescued me and now I want to rescue other people…even fictional characters, but I’m definitely a softy for those characters that people are less likely to root for. Catherine from The Thorn Bearer/Keeper became my first rescue…and I just HAD to find another.

I guess that’s how Charming the Troublemaker came into existence.

Dr. Alex Murdock desperately needed to be rescued.

In a bad way.

If you’ve had a chance to read my first book in the Mitchell’s Crossroads series, A Twist of Faith, you’ll know that Alex doesn’t seem to be made up of much hero material. He’s a flirt, a little arrogant, and…well, kind of like a lost puppy.

As book 1 grew and came to a close, I knew Alex and Rainey’s story would be next…but I immediately ran into a real problem.

Who in the world was Alex Murdock? We really didn’t get to know him very much in book 1. He zoomed in a few times, ruffling feathers and then finally showing off some interesting kindness/compassion in the end, but…he was still a big-time flirt.

So the question emerged: Can a flirt be a hero?

What is Alex hiding behind that ready smile and sense of humor? Why does he seem so lost?

The answers were surprising!! Just wait.

The Mitchell family draw him right in, as they did with Dee, and his world is forever changed.

And then there’s Rainey. Strong-willed and independent, she is deeply wounded by her ex-husband’s betrayal. Though she gives off all these ‘confident’ vibes, she hides her insecurities behind a tough exterior in a desire to keep people at a distance – well, everyone except her family.

Alex rocks her world with his ready charm.

And she sees beyond the plastic grin to recognize another wounded soul.

Throwing them together into a book has been a hilarious and heart-stirring adventure, I wasn’t prepared to encounter. They’re so much fun!

AND…he’s ADORKABLE!! Seriously!! He is SUCH a dork, but makes me grin. And…he looks like Armie Hammer 

Let me just give you a hint to some of my favorite scenes:

Anything with Sarah!

Underoos

All of the scenes in Rainey’s house

And those in Mama Mitchell’s

Okay, I like the WHOLE STORY…and I can’t wait to see what you think too.

Blog Stops

By The Book, November 14

Just the Write Escape, November 14

Avid Reader Book Reviews, November 15

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 15

Moments Dipped in Ink, November 15

Fiction Aficionado, November 16

autism mom, November 16

Fiction, Faith, and Fun, November 17

Inklings and Notions, November 17

Faithfully Bookish, November 18

Radiant Light, November 18

Reflections From My Bookshelves, November 19

The Power of Words, November 19

Cordially Barbara, November 20

Red Headed Book Lady, November 20

Smiling Book Reviews, November 20

Kat’s Corner Books, November 21

A Greater Yes, November 21

100 Pages per Hour, November 22

Splashes of Joy, November 22

Carpe Diem, November 23

Bookworm Mama, November 23

A Baker’s Perspective, November 24

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, November 24

Daysong Reflections, November 25

Rachel Scott McDaniel, November 25

Remembrancy, November 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, November 27

Karen Sue Hadley, November 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away a grand prize of a paper copy of A Twist of Faith, a mug from the Blue Ridge Parkway, one driftwood scented candle, one mango scented candle, and a Troublemaker snickers  highly appropriate. Chocolate with a nutty personality :)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c1f1

Cowboy Christmas Guardian by Dana Mentink

About the Book:

Name of book: Cowboy Christmas Guardian

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Isnpy Romance Suspense

Someone is dead set on stopping Shelby Arroyo from doing her job: assessing mineral rights in a mine in gold country. But after rancher Barrett Thorn rescues her from an attack, the handsome widowed cowboy seems to feel responsible for her. That is, until he discovers she’s from the family that he’ll never forgive for his wife’s death. As the threats against Shelby escalate, cowboy honor and an unexpected attraction keep Barrett by her side, even at his own risk. And since Shelby won’t back down, Barrett must protect the brave, loyal woman he has no business falling for…a woman someone wants to kill by Christmas.

Click here to purchase your copy.

Lori's Review

I so enjoyed this 1st book by Dana Mentink. She'll be added to my long list of favorite authors. I spent all day to finish up this book because I so enjoyed the story line. I felt like I was in the story with them. I held my breath to see what the next set of adventure was.
Some of the story made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I felt like something was looking over my shoulder. ( My house is haunted anyway)
The only thing that I didn't like was that Barrett's mom. In many ways she reminded me of my mother in law. Always wanting to stick her nose into everything and in some I ways I kinda understood her side. 
I also didn't understand the detective. I wanted to smack him a good one and shake some sense into him.
Shelby is the coolest person in the story. I admire her spirit and determined attitude and insticts. 
I like Shelby because even though she's scared she still goes and does it.
Barrett is something else. I've never met a character like him before. I think he's got a lot going on in his life and he has a lot of changes to overcome before he can get in with his life.
I like how the author says that we need to forgive anyone who does us wrong in order to be in Christ's image. 
I'm frankly gonna be honest. I loved the book because it had horses in it and I saw it on the cover of the book. The cover is what made me want to read it.
🏇 are my most favorite animals. I just adored Diamond, Pattycake and the rest of the horses. They are my true heoes. I know that this sounds silly but anyway.
I received this book for free. No compensation were received. All words are my own

About the Author:

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty-five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.

Guest Post from Dana Mentink

Howdy, readers! I am thrilled to be bringing you this four book Gold Country Cowboys series that takes place in an area near and dear to my heart! My family and I have enjoyed many adventures in this amazing area, from exploring gold mines, to climbing through caverns, and soaking in the incredible history. As a matter of fact, we recently enjoyed a train trip on the historic V and T Railroad which took us past abandoned mines and even some active ones where people are engaged in modern day treasure hunting. California’s Gold Country is a fascinating place filled with secret treasures. I hope you will enjoy some wild adventures with four cowboy brothers who have some secrets of their own. God bless you all!

Blog Stops

Cordially Barbara, November 16

Genesis 5020, November 16

Have A Wonderful Day, November 17

A Greater Yes, November 17

To Everything A Season, November 17

ASC Book Reviews, November 18

Splashes of Joy, November 18

History, Mystery & Faith, November 19

Red Headed Book Lady, November 19

Remembrancy, November 19

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, November 20

Autism mom, November 20

Singing Librarian Books, November 21

Janices book reviews, November 21

Moments Dipped in Ink, November 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 22

New Horizon Reviews, November 23

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, November 23

Pause for Tales, November 24

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 25

Cafinated Reads, November 25

Blogging With Carol, November 26

Daysong Reflections, November 26

Carpe Diem, November 27

Karen Sue Hadley, November 27

Babs Book Bistro, November 28

Bibliophile Reviews, November 28

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 29

The Power of Words, November 29

Giveaway

In honor of her tour, Dana is giving away a copy of Cowboy Christmas Guardian in print or ebook, a horse scarf and a $25 Amazon gift card! Click the link below to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c0d3

The Gift by Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE BOOK

New York Times Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray gifts us with a special Christmas story about love and blessings in this next book in her Amish of Hart County series.

The Schwartz family is happy to be spending Christmas on their new farm in Hart County. But when Susanna Schwartz hears gunshots that causes her buggy to overturn, and then her little sister falls through a wooden bridge into the icy creek, it becomes clear from these dangerous “accidents” that someone wants them gone.

Neil Vance has been heartbroken ever since his parents lost their family farm. He knows it’s not the Schwartz family’s fault, but he can’t help but be resentful. Until he meets Susanna. She is kind-hearted and bold, and Neil can’t stop thinking about her pretty green eyes.

Neil thinks the accidents are just that, but Susanna’s father is convinced the Vance family is responsible. Susanna refuses to believe Neil would do anything to harm her. She’s fallen in love with him and knows he is a good man. But her family is ready to pack up and move, and time is running out to uncover the truth before someone gets hurt…or worse. 

LORI'S REVIEW

I really enjoyed this third book by Shelley. I loved the mystery, romance all wrapped into one!
The cover of the book is really cool!
I think that some ppl do have a hard time with changes. I'm one of those ppl.
I just can't say enough about this book except that it is a midnight oil burner book!
I also enjoyed making new friends with the ppl in the story.
I thought Shelley did such a good job in bringing the characters to life. I loved the ability she has to make you feel like you're in the story with the ppl.
I don't live but an hour away from Horse Cave, Ky. I love a good book set in Kentucky.
Susanna is the best character. I love her bc she has a brilliant mind and knows how to get things done. I love her determination to prove a point that the things that were happening were not her or her family's imagination!
I'm like Neil's mom. I love Christmas! It's my favorite time of year! I also count my many blessings even though it's hard sometimes!
I strongly recommend this book!
I received this book for free! I was not required to leave a review 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.

Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink way too much coffee.

Writing for Avon Inspire has truly been a dream come true. Being able to spend my days in my make-believe world of the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is a true blessing. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the Amish culture and tapping into my faith as I show each character’s progression toward a personal relationship with our Lord.

Before becoming a full time writer, I taught elementary school in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. A job transfer to Ohio led my husband to encourage me to finally give writing a try. After all, I had notebooks full of made up stories.

I’ll never forget that first book I typed in our unfinished basement. It was exciting to make up a story, but also very scary. I was also so embarrassed, sure someone would come out of the woodwork and point out that I wasn’t a ‘real’ writer. But I persevered, and sold my third manuscript.

Things have changed a bit. Now I have a real office of my own. (think old guest bedroom!) My walls are painted pink, and more than a couple of book covers decorate my walls. But my days are still the same. I wake up, dream about other people, and do my best to type out stories.