Celebrate Lit blog tour featuring "What Dreams May Come" (book)

Welcome to my blog's stop on Alana Terry's book tour with Celebrate Lit!

Alana is a pastor's wife with the heart of a missionary. This book "What Dreams May Come" is special to her because it's the fictional version of her real-life love story.

Read my review of Alana's book below and enjoy your time with Alana today! Remember to enter the fun giveaway contest toward the end of this blog post.

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About the book:

She’s got her heart set on becoming a missionary. He’s determined to recruit her for the job.

But is it possible to fall in love with someone you’ve never even met?

Susannah’s convinced that God has called her to the mission field. That’s why she’s serving him with single-minded focus in Orchard Grove, waiting for the day when she can leave her small town to take the gospel to the nations.

Is falling in love with her missionary recruiter part of God’s plan for her life or a distraction from the real goal?

Scott loves his life. Traveling the globe, offering spiritual support to missionaries around the world offers enough excitement that the loneliness hardly ever gets to him …

Until he receives an application from a young girl with a heart for the mission field as large as his own, a young girl he finds himself falling for even before they get the chance to meet face-to-face.

Unfortunately, a promise Susannah made to her family may tear her and Scott even farther apart than the miles that separate them.

Book one in an inspirational sweet romance series by award-winning Christian author Alana Terry, who has won awards from Women of Faith, The Book Club Network, Grace Awards, and several others, What Dreams May Come is based on the author’s own experiences falling in love with (and eventually marrying) her missionary recruiter.

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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. 

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My Review of What Dreams May Come:

This is a book that will make you believe in God-ordained destiny.

I love how the author wore her heart on her sleeve in this story as she detailed the fictionalized version of how she and her husband fell in love.

The author included as many memorable scenes with conflict that enhanced the story as she did sweet moments that can melt the heart of the reader. She made me as a reader smile, laugh and cry as I connected with her characters. 

There weren't many cliffhangers in this story but the author made the character arc captivating enough to keep me as the reader turning the pages.

"What Dreams May Come" touches on sensitive topics like a baby born with disabilities, a mission-minded single person torn between following her mind for mission work and her listening to her heart when it comes to the man she wants to marry. 

I thought that the letters between the heroine and the hero that filled the pages throughout the story were a nice touch, adding a personal element to the story.

Overall, this was a great book! I think it's well deserving of a four-star rating.

*Celebrate Lit provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of "What Dreams May Come". My opinions in this book review are my own.

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Guest Post from Alana Terry:

The cat’s out of the bag! Back in 2016, I wrote What Dreams May Come, a novel that was based on the way my husband and I fell in love … fourteen months before we ever met! It wasn’t until just before Christmas that I told Scott the romance novel I’d been writing was actually our true-to-life love story, and he was even more surprised than I hoped he’d be! Watch the video to see his reaction.

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Giveaway details:

To celebrate her tour, Alana is giving away a $50 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/c600

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Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, February 8

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 8

Reading Is My SuperPower, February 9

Bigreadersite, February 9

Blogging With Carol, February 10

Zerina Blossom’s Books, February 10

Bibliophile Reviews, February 11

Purposeful Learning, February 11

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, February 12

C Jane Read, February 12

The Fizzy Pop Collection, February 13

Maureen’s Musings, February 13

Mommynificent, February 14

Texas Book-aholic, February 14

Mary Hake, February 15

Remembrancy, February 15

proud to be an autism mom, February 16

Avid Reader Book Reviews, February 16

A Greater Yes, February 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 17

Janices book reviews, February 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 18

Carpe Diem, February 19

margaret kazmierczak, February 19 (Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, February 20 (Guest post from Mindy)

Pursuing Stacie, February 20

God is Love, February 21

Joy of Reading, February 21

Book Boyfriends: Amy's hero

Interview with Chad, hero of An Unexpected Legacy by Amy Anguish:

Amy: Chad, I know you and Jessica both came from Arkansas. What brought you to Texas?

Chad: I could say it was God. That He knew Jessica’s friend would convince her to move down this way and that I needed to be here to meet her. Ha! But really, I completed my veterinarian schooling down here. When the vet I had been interning with decided he was ready to retire, I bought/inherited his practice and stayed.

Amy: What attracted you to Jessica in the first place?

Chad: I noticed her right away at the Smoothie shop. She was the only one sitting there alone. And she just kept shooting these grumpy looks our way. I wanted to know what she’d look like with a smile, so I went over to see if I could make it happen. And boy, was her smile great!

Amy: I know you have a cat, but as a veterinarian, which do you prefer? Dogs or cats?

Chad: I obviously love both. But for my lifestyle, where I’m not always home much, cats are much easier. They don’t require as much work … or as much yard … as dogs. And it’s so nice to have one curled up in your lap purring away.

Amy: Jessica teases you in the story about how you like to get things like wheat germ in your smoothies. Do you tend to be a healthy eater?

Chad: Ha! Honestly, I get things like that in my smoothies because the fruit hides the taste and I can actually get it down. Most of the time, I eat just like anyone else. Pizza and microwave dinners are unfortunately a typical weeknight meal at my place. I do cook a little, but by the time I get home, the easier and faster the meal, the better.

Amy: You and Jessica go through several ups and downs during the course of your story. What made you keep coming back for more?

Chad: She’s worth it. She’s cute and funny and fits just perfectly under my chin. And I love hanging out with her. No one else has ever … well, has ever been so right for me. I knew we had a chance at something great and I wanted to see it play out.

Amy: What’s your idea of a perfect date?

Chad: Anything with her. The first time I took her out, we played miniature golf. But it doesn’t seem to matter what we’re doing, as long as we’re together. I don’t think either of us is really a fancy kind of person, but just typical stuff like movies or dinner or bowling or whatever. Although I’m not so sure about her suggestion that we go ice-skating. My legs aren’t really designed for that kind of thing. Ha!

Amy: In your opinion, what do you have to have for a perfect relationship?

Chad: Perfect? I’m not sure there is such a thing as a perfect relationship. Everyone has ups and downs. Everyone has that one family member that makes life … not as much fun. But, we’re learning that if you keep God at the center, take your problems to Him, that helps more than anything. And just the desire to stick with it. Not give up at the first sign of trouble.

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Author Bio: 

Amy Anguish grew up a preacher's kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a cat or two. 

Amy graduated with a degree in English from Freed-Hardeman University and hopes in all her creative endeavors to glorify God, but especially in her writing. 

She wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.

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Book Blurb for An Unexpected Legacy:

"Smoothies brought them together, but would the past tear them apart?" 

When Chad Manning introduces himself to Jessica Garcia at her favorite smoothie shop, it's like he stepped out of one of her romance novels. But as she tentatively walks into a relationship with this man of her dreams, secrets from their past threaten to shatter their already fragile bond. Chad and Jessica must struggle to figure out if their relationship has a chance or if there is nothing between them but a love of smoothies.

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Buy Amy's book on Amazon

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Connect with Amy:
Amazon Author Page - http://amzn.to/2nueFGp
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/amyanguishauthor/

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Litfuse Publicity Group blog tour featuring Real-Life Romance

Happy Valentine's Day! What better way to celebrate this special day of love than with a book filled with real-life stories of romance?

So with that in mind, I'd like to welcome you to my blog's stop on the tour for Rhonda Stoppe's book, Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love!

See my review of Rhonda's book below then read on for further details such as information about the content of the book, the author bio and fun giveaway details from Litfuse Publicity Group.

Enjoy! :)

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My Review of Rhonda Stoppe's book, Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love:

This was a delightful collection of real-life stories of romance, heartbreak, and hope. But most importantly, the characters in these stories show the reader how having God at the center of their romance made all the difference. God is the Creator of humankind and He has a heart filled with love for all of His children. The stories in this book show how God cares about our hearts and covers every detail of our lives. As a reader, I was reminded by these stories that God created romance so my first priority should be to seek Him and ask Him for wisdom in choosing who I should date and marry. I like how most of the people in these stories turned to God through every stage of their journey whether it included heartbreak, tragedy, pain, hope, love and other life experiences, they sought God and because of their faith in Him, God blessed these people beyond their wildest dreams.

I like the fact that this is not a fictional book filled with fairytale romance or endless happily-ever-after endings for the characters. Instead, the pages in this book are filled with real-life situations, hopes, worries, fears, dreams and plans that did not turn out how the characters expected. The stories vary in plot and structure. Every couple’s real-life romance was different in the details but one thread remained the same and that was evidence of how their faith in God carried them through tough times and blessed their hearts.

I don’t have a favorite story from this book but if I were to choose three that stood out to me the most, it would be the author’s love story, the one about the author’s daughter and the one about the fighter pilot who found romance with the feisty woman who refused a former date’s invitation for a one-night stand (she was determined to honor God by waiting until marriage to have sex).

All of the stories in this book—not just my favorites—were told in a way that captivated my heart and inspired my mind. The stories reminded me why God’s plans for us are better than ours and His way of conducting ourselves in romantic relationships are the best and much more pain-free.

The author’s sense of humor and heart for helping her readers keep hope alive for a love story that lasts is evident throughout this book. Her storytelling skills are second to none. The pacing of the stories in this book will keep you moving from page to page in a timely fashion to the point where you may finish reading it in only about five hours.

I would recommend this book to anyone who’s given up hope of finding a real romance that lasts. It’s a very inspiring read that reminded me of God’s love and encouraged me to seek His plan for every aspect of my life because He as my Heavenly Father knows best.

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided me (writer@heart) with a complimentary copy of this book, "Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love". My opinions in this book review are my own.

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Blurb for Rhonda Stoppe's book Real-Life Romance: Inspiring Stories to Help You Believe in True Love (Harvest House, February 2018):

Do you believe in true love?

In a world of broken relationships and hurting people, it can seem like all we ever see is heartache—that marriages are doomed from the start and romance isn’t worth the risk.

But heart-fluttering, long-lasting love is all around us…we just have to look for it!

This collection of beautiful, real-life accounts will bring laughter and tears as you enjoy each story of ordinary people who found extraordinary love. Page after page, you will find inspiration to

—rekindle the romance in your love story
—trust in God’s providence and timing
—faithfully hope for your own happily-ever-after
—celebrate true romance
—believe in life-long love

Don’t let the world define romance for you! See how God is at work in the hearts of His people—knitting together hearts in a love that forever endures.

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Author bio: 

Rhonda Stoppe is the No Regrets Woman. 

With more than 20 years of experience as a pastor’s wife, mom, mentor, author, and speaker, Rhonda uses humor and honest communication to help women build No Regrets Lives. 

She and her husband live their real-life romance in northern California. They have four grown children and eight grandchildren.

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Connect with Rhonda:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NoRegretsWoman/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/rhondastoppe
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/rhondastoppe/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rhondastoppe/

Website - http://www.rhondastoppe.com

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A Special Message from Litfuse Publicity Group about Rhonda Stoppe's book and blog tour:

Whether you’re single and looking for a reason to believe in love or a parent watching your own child fall in love, Real-Life Romance by Rhonda Stoppe will inspire you to believe in life-long love. This collection of beautiful, real-life accounts will bring laughter and tears as you enjoy each story of ordinary people who found extraordinary love. Don't let the world define romance for you! See how God is at work in the hearts of His people—knitting together hearts in a love that forever endures.

Join Rhonda and other real-life romancers on March 6 for a Facebook Live party, plus enter to win the Make Your Own Real-Life Romance prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of Real-Life Romance
• A $50 restaurant gift card
• A $25 movie gift card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6. The winner will be announced at Rhonda's Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Rhonda and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

Fall into Love: Vanessa Riley's story

Metals, My Marine and Fire
A Fall into Love story by Vanessa Riley

Never joke about improbable circumstances. They just might come true.

I was working on my doctorate at Stanford. My field was the sexy world of martensitic transformation of metals. Yes, hard stuff (that was a joke for all the scientific nerds out there as Martensite is the hardest state of metal on the Brinell scale—I digress). I had dreams of using this laser driven technology to revitalize the metal die cast industry. I was not thinking of marriage. I wasn’t worried or bothered by it. My aunts differed on this opinion. Mama too.

So, my ever-meaning friends or family would try to set me up with a good catch. The last time that happened, I met a stalker who was convinced God said I was the one. I politely told him that I missed that dispensation from on High. I developed a clever motto to stop repeat occurrences, a personal motto. If God showed Moses a burning bush, surely, he could give one to me. That seemed to cool off most suitors and friends. Who could come up with a burning bush and not set off California wild fires?

God.

Then, what had happened was…I met a Marine reservist—tall, handsome, perfectly grounded in the Word (of God) who worked on metal planes for United Airlines—catnip. We went out on a date. He’d chosen a restaurant that had a fire pit. He sat on one side, I on the other. As he’s telling me about his job working on big triple seven aircrafts, I see a burning bush. The flames of the pit reflected upon his glasses and the irises of his chestnut-brown eyes. Red and gold flames seemed to leap across his face, as how a bush would burn but remained uncharred.

But God.

I remember thinking to myself, half-praying silent prayers in my head, so this is the one. Not bad. You got me, God.

My metal-loving military husband celebrated our twenty-first anniversary this year in August and I still melt a little in front of a roaring fire.

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Author Bio: 

Vanessa Riley worked as an engineer before allowing her passion for historical romance to shine. A Regency era (early 1800s) and Jane Austen enthusiast, she brings the flavor of diverse peoples to her stories. 

Since she was seventeen, Vanessa has won awards for her writing and is currently working on two series. 

She lives in Atlanta with her military man hubby and precocious child. 

You can catch her writing from the comfort of her southern porch with a cup of Earl Grey tea. 

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Book blurb for No Hiding For The Guilty (Heart of a Hero) (Volume 5): 

What if superheroes were mortals who lived and loved during the Regency? The Heart of a Hero Series tells all. The military leaders of the fraught Almeida Siege are dying, but not fast enough for a chef with a grudge to bear and axes to sharpen. 

Using her position as cook to the famed inventor, Lord Hartland, Isadel Armijo learns that one of the butchers responsible for slaughtering her family will sup at Hartland Abbey at month's end. The chef is determined to serve the guilty man his last meal, one with a cake possessing a controlled detonation so she can watch him die. Only one person can teach her how to whip eggs with black powder, Wellington's hulking explosives expert, Hugh Bannerman. Can she persuade the recluse to return to society to help avenge her family with a dessert to-die-for? 

With his soul in torture for the lives his actions have decimated, the hulking Hugh Bannerman is convinced his sins have manifested into leprosy. As the surviving member of his family, how can he take his place in society knowing his uncontrollable anger increases the spots discoloring his skin and puts others at risk? No, he’ll remain in hiding until the Almeida Killer finds him or the incorrigible chef Isadel causes too much trouble, concocting a deadlier course, one part hope, a sprinkle of crazy, and a maddening sauce of desire.

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Buy Vanessa’s book on Amazon 

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Connect with Vanessa:
Website - www.vanessariley.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VanessaRileyAuthor
www.facebook.com/ChristianRegency
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/VanessaRiley
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/regencymaid
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/govanessariley

Sign up for Vanessa’s newsletter:
http://christianregency.com/subscribe.html

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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Fall into Love: Melanie's story

When Hearts Connect
A Falling in Love story by Melanie D. Snitker

It amazes me how imaginative God is, and how He exceeds our expectations. This is especially true when it comes to answering our prayers.

Growing up, I hoped to eventually get married and have a family. When I went to college, I put all my efforts into my classes. But in the back of my mind, I wondered when I’d meet “the one” guy I’d eventually marry. I prayed God would help bring us together, and that He’d give us the wisdom we needed when He did. I sometimes wondered if I’d meet that guy in a class. Or maybe in the café when I stopped to grab a muffin for breakfast.

As it turned out, I did meet the man who would eventually become my best friend, my soulmate, and my husband. It was even during my college years, but not quite the way I expected.

October 27 of this year marked the twentieth anniversary since the day Doug and I first spoke—by e-mail. At the time, he lived in Texas, and I lived in Oregon.

Our moms were e-mail friends and discovered they both had kids in college the same age. It wasn’t long after that when I received a message from him. He introduced himself, and our friendship took off from there. We e-mailed and instant messaged back and forth for over a year and a half. During that time, we became best friends and talked about nearly everything.

In July of 1999, our families decided that we should all meet up. We chose a place in Arizona and went on a camping trip. I can still remember the jumble of nerves and anticipation at the idea of finally getting to speak to Doug face-to-face. Would we still get along? Would we be friends like we were online, or find out we didn’t have nearly as much in common as we thought we did?

To our amazement, there were no awkward moments. We didn’t have to spend time getting to know each other. It was as though we’d been sitting in the same room talking for a year and a half instead of sending e-mails and instant messages back and forth.

Before going to Arizona, I was pretty sure I was already in love with him. But sitting there by the campfire, content just to be in the same space together, I knew he was “the one” for me.

I married my best friend on June 9, 2000. Since then, we’ve had over seventeen years of adventure. We’ve faced life’s challenges together and came out stronger on the other side. Looking back, I recognize all the little things that fell into place. If even one of those hadn’t happened, I may have never met my husband. Praise God He can look at our lives and see the big picture.

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Author Bio: 

Melanie D. Snitker has enjoyed writing for as long as she can remember. She weaves together faith, love, and family to create memorable stories with a happily-ever-after. 

She and her husband live in Texas with their two children who keep their lives full of adventure, and two dogs who add a dash of mischief to the family dynamics. 

In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, crochet, baking, and hanging out with family and friends. 

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Book Blurb for Calming the Storm: 

A marriage of convenience isn't exactly what she had in mind. 

After a rocky start, Rachel Peters finally has her life on track. Then a tragic accident takes away her sister and leaves her to raise her niece, Kendra, alone. About to lose custody of her last blood relative, Rachel is desperate to prove she can adequately care for her niece. On the verge of running away to keep Kendra, a new friend offers Rachel an opportunity she can't refuse.

Brandon Barlow has long admired Rachel. When her world begins to fall apart, he feels led to help. A marriage of convenience would enable him to provide Rachel and Kendra with a stable place to live, proper health insurance, and a viable shot at staying together. Once Rachel gained full custody of her niece, the marriage could be annulled.

His plan provides the perfect solution, until Brandon realizes he's fallen in love with Rachel. Through love and patience, can he help Rachel realize that, even when she experiences storms in her life, she's never alone?

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Buy Melanie's book on Amazon

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Connect with Melanie:
Website - http://www.melaniedsnitker.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/melaniedsnitker
Twitter - https://twitter.com/MelanieDSnitker
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/melaniedsnitker/
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/author/melaniesnitker
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melanie-d-snitker

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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Fall into Love: Gina Marie's story

The Promise Bride
A Fall into Love story written by Gina Marie Welborn

I first heard the call in July 1987. As I had ever summer since 5th grade, I joined four thousand other students for a week in attending Falls Creek, one of the largest Christian camp in the world, located in the Arbuckle Mountains in southeast Oklahoma. One sweltery evening in that naturally air-conditioned tabernacle, while sitting on a rock hard wooden bench, I heard God whisper to me that he wanted me to marry a man who would be a pastor. Logically I yes. Who wouldn’t want to marry a man in the ministry?

Umm, me. In my perspective, pastors’ wives had perfect hair, manicured nails, and spouted scripture like it was water. In no possible way would I fit “the mold.” (As I type this my left hand is blue because I forgot to wear a glove when I colored child #4’s hair.) Every pastor’s wife I knew fit that mold. Ugh, the responsibility of being a Proverbs 31 woman wife.

So I told God no. And I was miserable but happy because God stopped pestering me. Then in January of 1988, I attend the Youth Evangelism Conference. This time God spoke in that voice. If you’ve heard it, you know it, and you listen. I said yes and meant it . . . mostly. After several dating relationships and one engagement, I reached the point when I couldn’t continue ignoring God. He wanted me to marry a pastor. Well, the only way that to make it happen was go to where pastors (or wanna-be-pastors) corralled. I hightailed it to the Baptist Student Union, made a list of men called into ministry, and then start dating.

Hubby was #4. We first held hands during a college retreat at Falls Creek. He proposed to me one Sunday morning at the end of the worship service. At that time he was the youth and music pastor of the very church that (24 years and 5 churches later) we now attend. Instead of serving on the staff of a church, he now ministers to churches by helping them save money on insurance coverage. In all the years I was a “pastor’s wife,” I never fit the mold. I tried for ten years. It made me miserable. Being me is much easier. Even easier was letting go of being me and letting God make me into being like Jesus.

I know authors who talk about God calling them to write. Not me. In my life, I’ve had two calls I know came from God: (1) to forgiveness and new life in Jesus and (2) to marry a pastor. Over the years, love has ebbed and flowed. Marriage is hard. Marriage is also a rich blessing.

In two weeks (Nov 14th) my husband will have open heart surgery to repair a birth defect – a bicuspid aortic valve. I can’t—don’t want to—imagine life without him. While the surgery has a 98% success rate, I have moments of worry. In those times I speak truth: I know God is able to heal my husband. I know God can. But even if God doesn’t, my hope is in God alone. I know this because I know God keeps His promises.

God will fight for me. –EXODUS 14:14

God will never leave me. –DEUTERONOMY 31:8

God will strengthen and help me. –ISAIAH 40:10

God works for my good. –ROMANS 8:28

God will meet my needs. –PHILIPPIANS 4:19

He keeps His promises to you, too.

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Author Bio:  

Gina Welborn is the bestselling author of sixteen inspirational romances, including the new Montana Brides Series from Kensington Publishing.

She’s a member of Romance Writers of American and American Christian Fiction Writers, and she serves on the ACFW Foundation Board. Sharing her husband’s passion for the premier American sports car, she is a lifetime member of the National Corvette Museum and a founding member of the Southwest Oklahoma Corvette Club. 

Gina lives with her husband, three of their five children, several rabbits and guinea pigs, and a dog that doesn't realize rabbits and pigs are edible. 

You can sign up for Gina’s newsletter via her website: ginawelborn.com

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Book blurb for The Promise Bride (A Montana Brides Romance):

“. . . a swoon-worthy romance!” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars, on The Promise Bride

Determined to save her father and siblings from a crumbling Chicago tenement, Emilia Stanek becomes the long-distance bride of a Montana rancher. But when she arrives in Helena, a rugged lawman shatters her plans with the news that her husband is dead—and deeply in debt.

County sheriff Mac McCall can’t afford to be distracted by the pretty young widow, not with scandalous secrets emerging as he investigates his friend’s suspicious death. Mac’s gruff order that she leave town at once only spurs Emilia’s resolve to take ownership of her late husband’s ranch and face his debtors. But as her defenses soften, Emilia begins to accept Mac’s help, feel compassion for his own wounded heart—and learns that trust means taking a leap of faith . . .

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Buy Gina’s book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

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Connect with Gina:
Facebook profile - https://www.facebook.com/ginamarie.welborn
Facebook Author page - https://www.facebook.com/ginawelbornauthor/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/gina_welborn
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/ginawelborn/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gina_welborn/
Inkwell Inspirations team blog - www.inkwellinspirations.com

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN your choice of a digital or an autographed-by-both-authors print copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Fall into Love: Morgan's story

From Coffee Date to Wedding Day: The Story of Morgan and Steven Smith
A Fall into Love story written by Morgan Tarpley Smith

To think it all began with coffee…Well, it really began long before that because God knew our path. I thought I’d be single forever. I was okay if that was His plan. None of this was a surprise to Him, though it has certainly been one for us. It’s been a long journey with moments of joy and sorrow, regret and forgiveness to lead us to the day Steven and I had coffee as acquaintances in December 2013.

That year was one of huge growth for us. God spoke to our hearts in different ways – yet also in the same regarding romantic relationships. We reached a place of true contentment in Him alone. We allowed God to fill the void we tried to fill with dating and other pursuits, and it was incredible! God’s plan was always in action, but it took our surrender and release for us to follow it – which led to Facebook actually.

I’d added Steven on Facebook earlier that year after his Mom told me he would spend six months in Wales, and I definitely wanted to see his travels there. I commented on pictures, and we struck up a brief but witty conversation, which led to coffee when he returned. I prayed that the Lord wouldn’t let me make more out of it than it was – two people meeting for coffee. No pressure, no expectations. Only friends.

So I thought everything was fine, but Steven was so handsome and kind, and I had to be still my heart and keep myself in check. I sat there as if I wasn’t nervous and started asking about Wales. I was pleased that he wasn’t hesitant to talk about it all and much more. We talked for over four hours and right through dinner!

He seemed to enjoy the visit. But, honestly, I was more interested to know if he was as interested in me as I was with him. I couldn’t help it! It only took 15 minutes for me to want him to ask me out! But he was so collected (I thought …) that I was sure he didn’t feel the connection.

The coffee shop closed, but I didn’t want the night to end. He casually said he enjoyed meeting, and we should do it again sometime. I was like “Nope, he’s not interested.” Unknown to me though, a different story was unfolding.

Three days later, he asked me out. Our first date was January 3, 2014, and I knew 10 days from our first coffee that he was the man I would marry. It involved Pinterest oddly enough. I felt God urging me to start planning our wedding (After all, he’s the one who created my planner’s heart.), so I made a secret wedding board and got after it. Steven asked me to be his girlfriend the next day with the intent to pursue marriage, and we were engaged on April 19, and then married in November. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

I thank God every day for the blessing of bringing Steven and I together and for loving us enough to bless us with our marriage of nearly three years (and the gift of our first child due February 2018) as an example of his love for his bride (the church/believers). I don’t know how to properly express how important and worthwhile that waiting on and following God’s plan is for everything in our lives. It’s the best thing I have done and ever will do. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways and He will guide you on the right paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6

“For we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

And I’d like to encourage everyone – no matter where you are in life – don’t give in to your own plans. Turn to the Lord and let His joy and peace fill your life and guide your steps, and you will find yourself on the most unforgettable journey you could ever imagine.

~*~
Author bio:  

Morgan Tarpley Smith is an award-winning newspaper reporter and photographer in Louisiana. 

She is also an inspirational adult and middle-grade novelist. Besides writing and traveling to over a dozen countries, her interests include acting, genealogy, photography, and singing. 

She resides in Louisiana with her husband and is expecting their first child in 2018.


~*~
Connect with Morgan:
Website - www.morgantarpleysmith.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/morgan.tarpley.5
Twitter - https://twitter.com/writerchic86
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/writerchic86/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4751242-morgan-tarpley-smith

Interview: Sarah Monzon, author of The Isaac Project

Today, I'd like to introduce a new friend, Sarah Monzon! She's a pastor's wife, mom of two adorable children and debut author who loves to write stories about "hope and happily ever afters."

Sarah's first book The Isaac Project, releases today (Sept. 1, 2015) and it's available for purchase on Amazon.com. The book cover is so lovely that I had to share it with you first! But that's not all. Sarah promised to give away one Kindle edition of her book to the winner of the book giveaway contest that she's hosting today on my blog! :)

We're doing this the old-fashioned way. Simply answer Sarah's question at the end of this blog post and your comment will be randomly drawn by me (Alexis). The winner will receive a Kindle edition of Sarah's novel. The contest starts today (Sept. 1) and ends on Sept. 15. The winner will be announced here and notified by e-mail so please remember to leave your name AND e-mail address with your comment. 

Excited, aren't you? I hope so! Enjoy my interview with this new author whose fictional love story captivated me from the first page!

*Words from Alexis are in bold, words from Sarah are not in bold.

~*~
Alexis: “The Isaac Project” is quite a clever title for your book! Tell us about it. What or who was your inspiration for this delightful, fictional story?

Sarah: I’m glad you like the title! The story came about from a conversation I was having with my friend who lives in a different state than I do. She was bemoaning her singlehood and the lack of male prospects in her area. She jokingly said she should just let her friends find her a husband, and—voila!—the beginning of a plot formed in my mind.

Becky, your heroine, loves horses and her dear old grandpa. Why is family—horses and human—so important to Becky?

Poppy, Becky’s grandfather, is everything to her. Her parents died when she was young and Poppy raised her. He was there for every knee scape, every breakup, every horse show, and everything in between.

The horses, well, in Becky’s mind the best view on earth is the one between a horse’s ears. There is healing for both body and spirit when one spends time with and on a horse.

Luke, your hero, doesn’t appear to have much luck in love until he encounters Becky. What makes Becky different from all the other women Luke romanced? What makes her stay in his heart?

The other women Luke has had encounters with only think about themselves and their own desires, but Becky has a sacrificial spirit that snags Luke’s attention. The fact that she would put someone else’s happiness, in this case her grandfather’s, above her own happiness has him intrigued. Of course the thought that anyone would ask her best friend to find her a husband has him shaking his head and calling her all kinds of crazy…at first.

What is the most major challenge your leading lady (Becky) and leading man (Luke) face before and after meeting each other?
Their biggest challenge boils down to communication. Or lack thereof. Because of her past, Becky is hesitant to trust and jumps to unfounded conclusions regarding Luke. The fact that the newlyweds are also strangers definitely doesn’t help matters!

As a writer, what was the most difficult aspect of writing this story?
For me, the most difficult part was finding time to write. I started writing the story with a one and a half year old and finished with a three year old and a one year old. I think you can imagine how hard it was to find time to it down at the computer and write.

What was your favorite scene to write in this debut book of yours? Why?

Oh! How do I answer this without a spoiler alert? Let’s just say my favorite scene involves Luke and a very sweet and romantic gesture right before the wedding.

What do you want readers to remember most about The Isaac Project?

I don’t want to oversimplify anything, but the resounding message in The Isaac Project is that love is a choice. God is love, and even though none of us deserve it, He chose to love us so much that He died on the cross for us. He continues to choose to love us every day. Even when we give Him the silent treatment, cheat on Him with other gods, or demand from Him a spiritual divorce. We can take this concept and apply it to our own relationships. Our feelings may ride high and low like a rollercoaster but through the ride we each need to decide to choose to love each other.

What are you working on next? You do plan to write more books, right?
My current work in progress is still in a very much rough draft form, so there isn’t a blurb or synopsis yet. That being said, I am very excited about this story. I’m having so much fun with these characters! What I will divulge is that the story has a dual timeline with the connecting piece being a 17th century galleon of the Spanish treasure fleet.

Why did you choose to go indie for The Isaac Project? Will you continue being an indie author or do you entertain thoughts of being traditionally published?

The simple answer to this question is that God led me to go indie. My manuscript was finished and I was praying fervently for the next step. Was it time to query agents? The answer whispered in my soul. “No.” I was shattered. What about my dreams? Again a whisper. “He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalms 37:4). “Your ways are not my ways” (Isaiah 55:8). I was gently led towards indie publishing and brought that before the Lord. I felt His blessing. There are a few other logistical reasons why indie works for me for now, but it all boils down to God’s leading.

When did you “know” that you were born to be a writer?

My answer is the same as most writers'. I’ve always loved reading and writing and making up stories. My elementary school had a Young Author’s program and my stories were chosen every year to be printed in their “book.”

What can you tell us about yourself as a new author that no one else knows?
Hmmm… something about myself as an author that no one else knows… *thinking, thinking*. Oh! Someone famous once called me on the phone because of something I wrote. That’s right. Mrs. Clause called me to tell me I won my second grade essay contest and got to ride on the float in the Christmas parade with Santa. It was pretty awesome if I do say so myself!

Thanks for the interview, Sarah! Please leave a question for my readers to respond to which will qualify them to enter the contest. 

Sarah's question: As a reader, what is it that makes you “take a chance” on a new author?
~*~
Author bio:

Sarah Monzon is a pastor's wife and a stay at home mom of two small children. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Adventist University. Sarah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). The Isaac Project is her debut novel.

Book blurb for The Isaac Project: 
Becky Sawyer’s life unravels in a single day. Not only does she catch her boyfriend, the man she hoped to marry, lip-locked with another woman, she also receives the gut-wrenching news that her grandfather, the man who raised her, is dying. His last wish? To see her happily married. Heartbroken, Becky seeks inspiration in the pages of the Holy Scriptures. And finds it in the story of Isaac and Rebekah. 

If love couldn't keep his parents together, Luke Masterson wonders what will make a marriage last. He decides to steer clear of all women—especially crazy ones like Becky Sawyer, who employs a friend to find her a husband. But when he feels the dogged promptings of the Holy Spirit to move across the country and marry a complete stranger, it seems love has little to do with it anyway.

With commitment their only foundation, and love constantly thwarted, can an arranged marriage find happiness in the twenty-first century?

Buy The Isaac Project:
Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1NeHGMJ

Connect with Sarah:
Blog/Website - http://www.sarahmonzonwrites.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorsarahmonzon
Twitter - https://twitter.com/monzonwrites

Worth 1,000 Words: Terri Baskin Photography

The newly married Jerrod and Tinita dancing during their wedding day reception

The kiss that ended the wedding celebration and started life together as Mr. & Mrs. Kearney:

 

Photo credit for the featured wedding day pictures: 
Photographer: Terri Baskin (Terri Baskin Photography)- www.terribaskin.com

Couple: Jerrod and Tinita Kearney
Married: May 8, 2015
Location: The Bolger Center- Potomac Maryland

Terri is the principal photographer/owner of Terri Baskin Photography and as you can see from these two beautiful photos, Terri is a talented wedding photographer!

Welcome Terri to the blog today and feel free to connect with her through the links she provides at end of this post. Please leave a comment for Terri to share your thoughts on her guest post today. She'll be happy to hear from you!

Enjoy today's feature! :)

~*~
What love means to Terri as a wedding photographer: 

The moment they first lock eyes on the wedding day and the reaction that each one has towards one a other, whether it be a smile, a tear or a subtle laugh because the day they've been planning and praying for is actually happening or some inside joke that only they will ever know...those are the moments that remind me of why I love being a wedding photographer.

Growing up with a father who spent his Saturdays photographing weddings, I remember being excited about two things when he returned home- the piece of wedding cake that he brought me and the pictures that developed in his in-home dark room! However, being around a successful marriage by having two loving parents at home helped me to understand that it's not always easy to blend two lives into one and make it work but the beauty of wedding photography is that even during the toughest moments, a couple’s wedding photographs can remind them to fight through the tough times and return to the happiest ones. The ultimate love story, in my opinion, is to remember why you started and never give up!

My goal as a wedding photographer is to document those fleeting moments during a wedding day that the couple themselves may have not even realized had taken place. When a couple looks at their wedding images, I want them to remember their day all over again. I want them to reminisce on the happy moments, reflect on the moments that brought them to tears, and share with one another what they were thinking as the day began to unfold. While I’m never present during this conversation, I ensure that when I curate and deliver a couple’s wedding images that the photos themselves can initiate this type of conversation.

~*~

Words from the newlyweds, Mr. Jerrod and Mrs. Tinita Kearney...

Tinita: Love is a word that was once quite easy for me to describe. Prior to getting married, it simply meant family, smiles, laughter, comfort, and deep affection. It meant having someone that I could depend on and trusting that someone would always be in my corner. Yet, now, after marrying my husband, the word that once was so easily categorized has become something much more difficult to define. Today, the word love embodies many things; namely, God and Jerrod. The love that I associate with God is wholly indescribable, and similarly, the love that I hold for Jerrod is difficult to capture into words. Yet, when I think of the deep love that binds my marriage, I realize that it goes beyond laughter and smiles, comfort and affection. Our love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not selfish, is slow to anger, keeps (almost!) no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres (I Cor. 13:4-7). Our love is biblical and heaven sent, as is my husband, in whom I have all confidence. Because we both acknowledge that our collective mission is to fulfill our God-given purpose through the ministry of our marriage, we are powerful, and our love is our strongest weapon. 

Jerrod: I have always believed spousal love was purely the final stage of an emotion two individuals felt for one another. The emotion grew into love based on the amount of commonalities, attraction, intimate communication, shared experiences and duration of time spent together. Having never experienced spousal love, my belief was formed from watching movies, reading books, hearing others describe why they loved someone, and the like. After being married for just over two months, I have learned love is much more than an emotion. Love is complicated, love is sacrifice, a new experience and most importantly, love is an action. Love is sacrificing your wants to make your spouse happy, putting your spouse’s needs before yours, studying your spouse to know her wants before she knows her wants, being consistent in all that you do, and love is communicated on a daily basis. Although there are many facets to love and definitions of love, the best way to sum up love is to say, outside of Christ, spousal love is the best thing a man has the privilege of experiencing.

~*~
Photographer bio (in Terri Baskin's words): 

Photography is how I creatively express my clients' love story...It gives me the chance to document your "Day One" as husband and wife and create images that may be cherished by a couple for years to come!

My love affair with the camera unknowingly happened when I was about 8 years old when my dad gave me a 110mm camera to document life through my young eyes. It was also my dad that came to my first year of weddings to make sure I documented authentic moments as they unfolded.

Fast forward to today, photography is my stamp that tells the world that on this particular day and at this particular time this is where we were, who we were and what we were doing. We grow, we age, and we change- it's inevitable, but when you look at a photo that I've taken I want it to be your visual reminder of how you looked and felt at that specific moment in time.

I create timeless, romantic and modern photos for the fun couples in love! I am based in Virginia, but I love to travel! Contact me today to discuss your BIG day!

~*~

Connect with Terri, principal photographer and owner of Terri Baskin Photography: 

Photography business website: www.terribaskin.com
E-mail: tbaskin@terribaskin.com
Phone: 703.791.9111
View: The Wedding Experience!


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Terri's photography is featured in the following publications: Style Me Pretty, Munaluchi Bridal, The Knot, BuzzFeed, The Washingtonian Bridal Blog, and Every Last Detail!