My Blog's 10th Year Birthday Bash: Bell Renshaw's book giveaway

Welcome to the first day of my blog's 10th birthday bash!

Please welcome my author friend Bell Renshaw! 

She's here to give away two of her books from her Justin Harbor series!

Enter the book giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter widget the end of this blog post. Only residents of the USA are eligible to receive a signed paperback copy of this author's books. International residents will only receive ebook copies due to costs of mailing books outside of the USA.

Let's learn a bit more about Bell and her books ...

Author Bio:

Annabell “Bell” Renshaw has always loved books and the power of a good story.

She turned those passions toward writing at an early age, finding solace and adventure in made-up worlds when her mother would read to her as a kid. 

She’s grown up now, but still finds herself lost in those worlds. She believes in the power of a happy ending and the fact that—no matter what—love will always find a home.

~*~
Back Cover Blurb for Bell's book As Easy As Riding A Bike:

Emma Holland is almost finished with the renovation of The Brown Bear Lodge nestled just off the Pacific Coast 101 Highway in picturesque Justin Harbor, Oregon. Being a business owner in a small town isn’t easy, but Emma’s got more than enough determination—not to mention an excellent eye for interior design. There’s only one problem. One of her first guests of the season is someone she hoped she’d never see again.

As a famous landscape photographer, Connor Pearson has traveled far and wide following his dreams at the cost of losing his first love. Now, back in Justin Harbor, Connor is looking for more than just a place to stay. He’s looking for himself.

As Emma and Connor rediscover their lost friendship and seek to find common ground in the present, Connor feels the tug of his small town roots. Is it possible that a man who’s traveled the world could find his home where his dreams began? Can Emma come to terms with the fact that self-reliance isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? Will their bonds from the past weather the storms of the present?

As Easy as Riding a Bike will introduce you to the salty air and calming waters of Justin Harbor, the first novella in a series featuring small town women business owners.

~*~
Back Cover Blurb for Bell's book As Easy As Cherry Pie:

Maggie Petten has perfected the perfect pie—at least that’s what everyone who tastes her confections says. But when the size of her shop interferes with the possibility of a dream-job, she’s resigned to turn down the opportunity.

Fletcher Knight finds it difficult to say no to those who need help. When his father died leaving him in charge of the family’s contracting business, as well as his younger brother, he thought he was ready for the challenge, but his kindness has turned into his weakness. After a few financial hits, he’s not sure he can survive. Still, when he overhears Maggie’s predicament, he immediately volunteers to help before knowing the scope of the job.

Maggie isn’t in a position to be picky, but is she ready to work with Fletcher? After all, he was her worst (and best) first date experience a year ago, but his silence since then speaks volumes. But as a business woman, she understands the benefits outweigh the discomfort—or so she hopes.

When the project begins, things turn from awkward to disastrous leaving Maggie and Fletcher to question their working relationship and more. As they work to overcome the difficulties and challenges life and business throws at them, they start to see they may have more in common than they realize. And that together their success may cross from professional to personal.

Journey back to the small, coastal town of Justin Harbor, Oregon and let the warm, salty air surround you as this couple trips and stumbles into love.

~*~

Connect with Bell:
Website - www.bellrenshaw.jimdo.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bellreadsbooks/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/authorbellren
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/bellrenshaw/

~*~
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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Author Interview with Courtnaye Richard about her devotional book

Dear Sweet Blogging Friends,

Today, you're in for a special treat!

My blogging friend Courtnaye Richard is here to talk about her NEW book! It's a book filled with weekly devotionals! One devotional for each week of an entire year. The devotionals are not dated, so can read this book any year!

Courtnaye also wants to give away one signed paperback copy of her book! Read the details about that and find out how you can have a chance to win toward the end of this blog post.

God bless you!

~*~

Interview with Courtnaye Richard about her book, Inside Out with Courtnaye: 52 Week Devotional: Growing from the Inside Out One Week at a Time

Alexis: Congrats on your new book, Courtnaye! Let’s talk about it.

Courtnaye: Thanks so much Alexis and sure thing!

Alexis: Is this your first devotional book?

Courtnaye: Yep! This is my first devotional.

Alexis: Why did you choose to write a total of 52 devotionals? Explain the significance.

Courtnaye: Honestly, it just came out of nowhere! I was about to write on something else, but then the Lord impressed upon my heart to write a weekly devotional book vs. a daily one. I believe the significance that resonated with me was that we’re all busy, right? Well, at least most of us. So I felt led by the Holy Spirit to write short, weekly devotionals. The goal was instead of a daily devotional, a weekly one just gives us an alternative in the busy culture that we’re currently living in. And not that I’m knocking a “daily” devotional (I have many). However, this was just the direction the Lord was leading me.

Alexis: How did you determine your book’s format and layout (one devotional for each week of the year, then each of the selections such as the Study Guide and God’s Word for You, that are listed within each devotional)?

Courtnaye: It was actually my husband’s idea. Of course, I wanted to do something different than other devotionals that I’ve purchased and seen on bookshelves in stores. So, his suggestion was well-received. Moving forward, the determination was really guided by prayer after that. I prayed about the layout and its monthly topics, and began writing them out. I also wanted women to dive in deeper for personal reflection through the study guide, but also provide monthly topics and scriptures that they could not only do personally, but also use it for monthly small group meetings.

Alexis: What does it mean to “grow from the inside out” and how will your book help readers grow in that way?

Courtnaye: Growing from the inside out is all about loving God from the heart and living the life of Christianity in biblical and practical ways. It’s also about allowing Jesus to change you spiritually, personally, mentally, and emotionally. When we take time praying, reading and studying the Word, we grow. We mature. For the readers, I want them to understand that what we do when no one is watching and as we spend devoted time with God, in return, that inward change will eventually be noticed on the outside for others to glean and grow from as well. It’s the inner work that makes a huge difference in our lives, but also in the lives of those whom we influence for Christ.

Alexis: Tell about your life as a blogger. How and why did you start your blog? Why did you give your blog the name, Inside Out with Courtnaye? What do you want your audience to learn from your posts?

Courtnaye: I’ve been blogging since 2011. I absolutely love writing! With that being said, I was looking for a way to reach more women with the gospel and to help them grow spiritually, personally, and vocationally through the gift of writing. It wasn’t until one day, my husband said, “Why don’t you start blogging?” And I was like, “What? What is that, actually?” That started my research! When I learned all about it, that’s when it all began.

I had no idea that the Lord would use a weekly blog to reach thousands of women across the globe for His glory. He did it! I’m still amazed! I named the blog “Inside Out with Courtnaye” because we’re growing together. We’re in this Christian walk together, as sisters. I’m doing it with you. So, what I want my audience to learn from my posts is to let God change them from the inside out (from the heart and lifestyle). Allow Him to change them through the power of prayer, His Word, the Holy Spirit, godly mentorship, and wholesome fellowship. I love the Bible verse found in Philippians 2:13 (NLT) which says, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Alexis: Your book title borrows from the name of your blog. Is this like an extension of your blog posts? Why or why not?

Courtnaye: It is actually (chuckling). You know, the Lord inspired me to write each weekly devotional like a blog post. That was His divine instruction. I thought it was for my other book that I’m working on, but I had no idea that He was referring to a brand new project, which is the 52 Week Devotional. Our thoughts and ways are definitely not like His (see Isaiah 55:8). And I’m good with that! Hence, that’s where the title came from. It was derived from my blog in every way!

Alexis: What is the mission of your blog and how does it carry over into the main message of your devotional book? 

Courtnaye: I would say that the mission is to grow. Let God change you from the inside out. No holding back. Surrender your life to His way and His will. God knows our hearts. Psalm 4:23 (NIV) says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” And it’s so true! Love and evil stems from it. So allowing the Lord to transform us from the inside out, stems from the heart, followed by Christ-like action. My blog and devotional both blend in perfect harmony right there.

Alexis: Do you have a writing mentor? If so, how did he or she help you become such a good author?

Courtnaye: I’d have to say that my writing mentor is the Holy Spirit. I am truly inspired by the Lord. I actually pray and ask the Holy Spirit to take over my hands as I write. The Bible was God-inspired. Men simply penned it. So when I write my blog or books, I write as I am inspired by the Lord. I literally say, “Lord, you know where your daughters and aspiring daughters are, help me to write what they need to read.” And from there, I trust and lean on Him as I write each post or chapter.

Alexis: If you could sell your devotional book with just one sentence, what would you say?

Courtnaye: Grab it today from www.courtnayerichard.com or www.amazon.com, because it will definitely begin changing your life one week at a time!

Alexis: Now for the fun and quick questions…Coffee or tea?

Courtnaye: Definitely coffee!

Alexis: Bagels or waffles?

Courtnaye: Waffles.

Alexis: Kindle of paperback?

Courtnaye: Paperback (I like my pen and highlighter). ;-)

Alexis: Who is your favorite author?

Courtnaye: Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Alexis: What is your favorite book?

Courtnaye: My favorite book is the The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.

Alexis: What is your favorite season?

Courtnaye: Winter, definitely (boots and blankets)!

Alexis: Thanks for the interview Courtnaye! Would you like to share closing thoughts?

Courtnaye: Absolutely and thank you Alexis! Let God change you from the inside out, sister! Jesus is coming back soon!

~*~
Author Bio:

Courtnaye is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. 

She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose.

Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences. Her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe. 

She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).

~*~
Blurb for Courtnaye's devotional book:

Behold all things are made new! In this 52-week devotional, get ready to grow in your Christian walk one week at a time with influential blogger, author, mentor, and conference speaker, Courtnaye Richard.

Each week, you will be encouraged, challenged, instructed, and equipped through real life topics and practices such as...

• Spending focused time with God
• Working well with others in church and at work
• Trusting God even when you can't see
• Controlling your emotions from the inside out
• Setting boundaries in life
• Self-care principles for Christian women
• Pressing through fear in life and endeavors
• And so many more topics

Courtnaye has created this brief, life-changing weekly women's devotional complete with monthly themes, scripture, practical insight, transparency, and a BONUS study guide! 

Choose to do it alone or use it for a small group. It's time to grow from the Inside Out, this week and beyond!

~*~

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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Falling for Books: Betsy's book

Interview with Betsy St. Amant about her story, "Save the Last Word":

Alexis: Why did you name this story “Save the Last Word?”

Betsy: The title came to me before the plot did, actually! I thought it was fun and interesting and fit perfectly with an “always have to have the last word” type of personality in the hero…AND heroine!

Alexis: Describe the heroine of your story, Zoe Armand. What makes her a free spirit and why has she never been conventional?

Betsy: Zoe marches to the beat of her own drum, partially because she was just created that way and partially because she doesn’t want to be like her overbearing, always-in-the-box parents. She’s more free style, and she’s happy that way. However, she’s not a slacker or lazy. She’s very compassionate, giving, generous and a go-getter in her own ways—she’s just not typical.

Alexis: Why does Zoe like to blaze her own trail in life and why do her parents who are all about reputation, disapprove of the way she lives?

Betsy: Zoe and her parents definitely clash. She isn’t rebellious about it, but rather, wishes they would just accept her as she is. She struggles with feeling like she’s never good enough for their standards and gets caught up briefly in trying to prove her worth to them. Zoe’s parents, mostly her mom, are embarrassed at her unconventional-ness, as they are pillars of the community and are all about image. They have some lessons to learn, too.

Alexis: Memory sounds like quite the small and whimsical town in Kansas! Did you make this place up? If so, paint a picture of it with words.

Betsy: I did invent it myself! I pictured it with a bit of a Gilmore Girls Stars Hollow vibe, of course, since I can’t help it because that’s my favorite show! But also it was just important to me to establish community and small-town camaraderie…one of those “everyone knows your name” type small-towns where Ms. Marshall was dearly beloved, all the kids knew other growing up, etc. I love that you use the word “whimsical” because that’s what I was going for.

Alexis: Describe the hero of your story, Ben Marshall. What is his real passion in life? Talk about his dreams and goals for his future.

Betsy: Ben is the opposite in Zoe in many ways, but is actually more like her deep down than he realizes! They say opposites attract, and that’s a fact for Ben and Zoe. Ben is more straight-laced, by the book, and hard-working in the typical sense. However, he has a secret he’s keeping from his father—and by default, everyone else—that’s important to him and drives everything he does. Ben is a good man, hence why he doesn’t want to buck against his dad and family expectations, but is struggling to balance that with living out his real passions and dreams. To find out what his dream is, you gotta read the story!

Alexis: Why is Ben’s father pressuring him to commit to being the vice president of their family business?

Betsy: Ben’s father wants him to take over, partly because of passing on the family legacy, but also because of image and control. Much like Zoe’s parents, reputation is everything to Ben’s dad. He’s a workaholic and expects Ben to be the carbon copy of himself.

Alexis: How do Ben and Zoe meet in this story? What are their first impressions?

Betsy: They meet at Ms. Marshalls’ apartment when Zoe comes to borrow sprinkles. It’s a really fun, comedy-of-errors type beginning that I just love! You’ll have to read the story to find out more.

Alexis: In what ways does Zoe both fascinate and bewilder Ben? Why?

Betsy: Ben is bewildered by Zoe because of how different she is than him—but at the same time, he’s fascinated by her because she calls to something deeper in him that he’s yet to realize about himself. She brings out the best of him and makes him address his worst, and vice versa.

Alexis: What is it about Ben that starts a fire in Zoe’s heart?

Betsy: Zoe has always liked Ben—even when they were little kids on the playground. She’s been attracted to him since day one!

Alexis: If you were a mutual friend of Ben and Zoe, what would you advise when it comes to the decisions they both have to make?

Betsy: I’d advise them both to stay true to themselves, and follow the wisdom and direction of the Lord that’s so obvious to us as readers from the outside-looking-in, but harder to see clearly when it’s YOUR life. I think we all need that reminder! Sometimes we think decisions are very hard to make, when the right path is very clear all along. We tend to make things more complicated than they are, am I right?

Alexis: As the author, what was your favorite part of writing this story? Why?

Betsy: I loved writing the more comedic scenes, be it at the nursing home with the elderly patrons or the interactions and misunderstandings between Ben and Zoe. It was a fun novella to write, for sure!

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Betsy! Do you have closing comments?

Betsy: Thanks for interviewing me, and for reading Save the Last Word, part of the Once Upon a Laugh box set! It was such an honor to be in a compilation with seven other talented authors.

~*~
Author Bio:

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of fifteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. 

She resides in north Louisiana with her newlywed hubby, two story-telling young daughters, a collection of Austen novels, and an impressive stash of Pickle Pringles. 

Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored in Christ. 

When she's not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a white-chocolate mocha. 

She blogs frequently at www.ibelieve.com, a devotional site for women. Visit her at http://www.betsystamant.com.

~*~
Blurb for Betsy's book "Save the Last Word":

Free-spirited Zoe Armand has never been conventional. From her multitude of odd-jobs to her bad luck in romance, Zoe blazes her own trail—despite the disapproval of her own reputation-obsessed parents.

Straight-laced Ben Marshall is back in Memory, Kansas to pack up his Nonny’s apartment after she’s moved into a nursing home. It’s the perfect opportunity to work on his real passion—his secret blog—and avoid his father’s pressure to commit to VP in the family business.

When Zoe is hired to paint a mural in the nursing home, she’s excited for the excuse to hang out with her former neighbor, Ms. Marshall. When she runs into Ben, she discovers her childhood crush never went away. She’s determined to prove herself to her parents and earn Ben’s affection—but a comedy of errors, a secret identity, and a desire to have the last word threatens to keep them apart.

Ben must choose between the chance to win his freedom from his father, and protect the heart of the woman who equally fascinates and bewilders him. Will Zoe and Ben find a way around the obstacles blocking true love? Or will Ben’s brief stay in Memory be the last word for them both?

~*~
Buy Once Upon A Laugh: Eight Novellas filled with Laughter and Happily-Ever-After (box set containing Betsy's story "Save the Last Word") on Amazon.

~*~
Connect with Betsy:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetsySt.Amant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsyannhaddox/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/betsystamant/

~*~
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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Spring into Love: Character interview featuring Sloane Bradley

Interview with Sloane Bradley, heroine of the story, With No Reservations:

Alexis: What do you think of your author, Laurie Tomlinson? Did she tell your story well? Be honest!

Sloane: If anything, she exposed more than I was always comfortable with, but it was necessary. I could never write a novel like she does, though—too much chaos in her process for my liking! 

Alexis: How many years have you been blogging, Sloane? Tell us your blog’s name and describe its significance.

Sloane: I’m coming up on my blog’s ten-year anniversary! Can you believe it? It’s called Mise en Place, which is French for “everything in its place.” It’s a culinary term for getting all of your ingredients arranged before cooking, and I always include a photo of my own mise en place at the beginning of each post.

Alexis: What is the name of Cooper’s new restaurant and why were you wary about helping him to promote it?

Sloane: His new restaurant is called Simone, named after the woman who decided to sublet her upstairs to him when he lived in France. I was nervous about helping him promote it because I knew “the stories” about him. But it was mostly getting out of my routine. I have a little problem with control, but it’s getting better. 

Alexis: You and Cooper share a passionate love for food. In what ways has the kitchen (in the restaurant and at home) brought you together?

Sloane: We both speak the language of food, which gave us a common denominator when we thought we were nothing alike. Of course, we soon discovered we had much more in common with our pasts than we ever could have imagined.

Alexis: What is it about Cooper that makes your heart warmer than hot apple cider?

Sloane: He’s resilient. He’s been through so much and yet he’s constantly working behind the scenes and giving all he has. It doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes, too. And he’s a good kisser. Did I just say that out loud?

Alexis: What made you fall in love with Cooper and never want to leave his side? Where do you see your relationship with him five years from now? Details, please!

Sloane: I don’t know what it was that finally did it, but I do know that I’ve never felt safer with anyone else. He helped me realize that I couldn’t keep living the way I was living, and I’m so much stronger because of that. I don’t know what the next five years will hold, but I do know I want to be with him for the rest of my life!

Alexis: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious disability that people often think only affects American soldiers who are trying to transition back into civilian life. But clearly, it affects you. When were you first diagnosed with this disorder and how do you cope?

Sloane: Yes, PTSD is something that affects a lot more individuals than people think, but I’m so glad that veterans programs have created more awareness recently so more can get the help they need. I was diagnosed when I was 16 and had discouraging experiences with many therapists and counselors, so I sought help but didn’t really want to be helped, if that makes sense. While PTSD looks different for everyone, it looks like OCD in my case. Control is how I cope.

Alexis: Paint a picture of your home studio, with words. Describe the layout, paint color(s) that coat your walls and the aromas that radiate from your kitchen.

Sloane: There’s a lot of white and clean lines. I’m a little ashamed to admit I have expensive tastes, so there are a lot of minimalistic European influences in my décor. But I do like to have a few rustic and colorful accent pieces. My kitchen always smells like butter and either garlic or vanilla, depending on what I’m making in a given day. But real, Irish butter is a must in my home! 

Alexis: What are your thoughts about Cooper’s pet dog? What’s her name and how did her unconditional love help you heal?

Sloane: Maddie! I wasn’t really a dog person before I met her, but she has taught me the importance of playing. She is so warm and comforting and has this sense when her presence is needed. Do all dogs have that or just her? 

Alexis: Do you have a Starbucks habit? If so, what’s your favorite fix there and how often do you drink it?

Sloane: I usually get my morning coffee fix from my home espresso machine and all the fixings I have at home. The companies I’ve worked with have been so generous to send me fun coffee products to try. But on the go, I enjoy an almond milk latte from Starbucks every once in a while! 

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Sloane! Do you have any closing thoughts?

Sloane: Thank YOU so much for the kind and thoughtful interview, Alexis! It’s been my pleasure. I hope people are inspired by this story that they can have a full and healthy and meaningful life – no matter what they’ve been through!

~*~
Author bio:

Laurie Tomlinson is an award-winning contemporary romance author and cheerleader for creatives. 

She believes that God’s love is unfailing, anything can be accomplished with a good to-do list, and that life should be celebrated with cupcakes and extra sprinkles. 

Her novella "That’s When I Knew" was featured in the Love at First Laugh collection, and her debut novel, With No Reservations, is now available from Harlequin Heartwarming. 

You can connect with Laurie on her website, Facebook page, and Instagram.

~*~
Book Blurb for With No Reservations:

There can be more than comfort in food…

What could well-known and wealthy Graham Cooper Jr. have in common with a blogger like Sloane Bradley, a woman with secrets she's kept firmly out of the public eye? That is, besides a love of food. 

Sloane still can't believe Cooper's the chef at the restaurant she's been assigned to promote. But she's boiling to prove to him that her "little blog" can put his place on the map. 

She can also fall head over heels for the guy, who has secrets of his own, it turns out…except for one thing. She can't get past the post-traumatic stress disorder that keeps her walled up in her home studio.

Available for purchase on:

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Harlequin.com | Google Play | Goodreads

~*~
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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A Prelude to Christmas: The Introduction

Dearest Readers of my "God is Love" blog,

The Christmas holiday season is upon us! Though the season technically starts after Thanksgiving Day next week (Nov. 24 here in the United States of America), I have a reason for us to celebrate a bit early! :)

Wondering why?

Here's a clue (see the picture from Pinterest below):

In case you haven't guessed what's in store for you by the picture, here's the BIG news:

I know that many of you love to read books, especially good books that you are given for free. Therefore, I am excited to introduce to you this year's holiday series on my blog, "A Prelude to Christmas"!

Every day from tomorrow (Nov. 21) to Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), I will feature a new author on this blog and they will share insights with you about their own Christmas stories. Whether it be through an author interview, character interview, personal essay, book excerpt and review, or a devotional, these talented writers are ready to tell you all about their Christmas stories.

Now here's the special feature just for you: Each author will give away a copy of their holiday-themed book featured on my blog! The book giveaway contests will be coordinated by Rafflecopter which you will find in widget form on every post in this holiday series on my blog. Think of it as a Christmas gift from the authors to you!

SO are you ready for this fun and exciting adventure?

Visit my blog every day from Monday (Nov. 21) to Saturday (Dec. 24) for your chance to WIN a copy of these lovely Christmas books!

Enjoy this beautiful holiday season and tell everyone you know who likes to read about "A Prelude to Christmas"!

Take care and God bless you!

Love,

Alexis A. Goring
Founder of "God is Love" blog