My Blog's 10th Year Birthday Bash: Regina Rudd Merrick's book giveaway

Welcome to the 26th day of my blog's birthday bash!

Please welcome my author friend Regina Rudd Merrick.

She's here to give away one of her books!

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 little bit more about Regina and her book ...

Author Bio:

Regina Merrick began reading romance and thinking of book ideas as early as her teenage years when she attempted a happily-ever-after sequel to “Gone With the Wind.” That love of fiction parlayed into a career as a librarian, and ultimately as a full-time writer. 

She began attending local writing workshops and continued to hone her craft by writing several short and novel-length fan-fiction pieces published online, where she met other authors with a similar love for story, a Christian worldview, and happily-ever-after. 

Married for 30+ years and active in their church, Regina and her husband have two grown daughters who share her love of music, writing, and the arts. 

She is the author of three books, Carolina Dream (Apr. 2017), Carolina Mercy (July 2018), Carolina Grace (February 2019) in the Southern Breeze Series with Scrivenings Press, LLC, and her novella, “Pawleys Aisle,” a Southern Breeze novella in the Coastal Promises collection, with Mantle Rock Publishing, LLC. 

Her story, “RenoVating Christmas,” was part of the Hope Is Born collection with the Mosaic Collection, and introduces the character and setting in book one of her new RenoVations Series, Heart Restoration, releasing August 5, 2020. 

Connect with Regina on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com.

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Back Cover Blurb for Heart Restoration:

For interior designer Lisa Reno things go from bad to worse when her contractor brother falls off a ladder and breaks his leg. 

Now she has to deal with the past coming back to haunt her, an old house with a corpse in the creepy cellar, and her best friend trying her best to fix her up with any man that moves.

Nick Woodward is willing to do his old college roommate a favor – especially since it involves renovating his own inheritance. 

The last thing he wants is to get involved with anyone. When he lost his wife and unborn child so suddenly, he had made the decision to keep God and everyone else at arm’s length. 

So far, so good.

Ah, the difference a trip to a dingy basement makes.

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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:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrate Lit Tour featuring JoAnn Durgin's novel "The Valentine Verse"

Welcome to my blog's stop on JoAnn Durgin's book tour! She's here to share insights about her new novel "The Valentine Verse". I've included my review of JoAnn's book. 

I hope that you will enjoy this fun feature!

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My Review of The Valentine Verse:

"The Valentine Verse" is a creative, heart-touching, lovely story written by JoAnn Durgin.

The characters are complex and likable. The author drives the reader deep into the characterization of Thornton (the hero) and Vara (the heroine). It was impressive to see how the author gently peeled back the multilayered backstories of her main characters and used their experiences, joy, and pain to weave a beautiful love story.

I thought that the way Thorton and Vara met in the cafe was unique, mysterious and sweet. The scene made me curious to know more about Thorton and it made me wonder if Vara would ever let her guard down enough to let a man like Thorton woo her heart. 

Thorton's grandmother was a true gem. I liked the role she played in bringing Thornton and Vara together. The author also weaved the grandmother's backstory into the plot in a way that was not distracting from the main plot but just enough to satisfy the reader's curiosity.

The pacing of this plot was perfect. The dialogue was clever and refreshing. 

I think that this book deserves a solid 4-star rating on Amazon.com!

*Celebrate Lit provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of The Valentine Verse. My opinions in this book review are my own.

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About the Book:

Author: JoAnn Durgin 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 5, 2017

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for February 14th anymore! Love should be celebrated every day of the year. That’s Thornton Fielding’s philosophy. In spite of a few false starts in the arena of love, he holds out hope he’ll eventually find the woman of his dreams. The problem? He loves his job, and there’s no end in sight to his travels. But when Thornton returns to his tiny hometown of Cherish, Minnesota, he meets a beautiful and intriguing woman he believes might be God’s answer to ending his bachelor status—permanently. 

Vara Alexandris is soured on love and scoffs at the notion of soul mates. But soon after meeting the handsome and unconventional Thornton, the speech and language pathologist suspects he might be the perfect ally to help jump-start her stroke patient’s recovery—if only Vara can keep Thornton grounded in Cherish long enough. This man who spouts romanticized and idealistic ideas about love seems all too eager to resume his world travels. 

Could it be Thornton actually prefers globetrotting in order to avoid a romantic relationship? Is it time for Vara to call the dreamer’s bluff? And can Thornton convince Vara to put past heartache behind her and trust in God’s plan for her heart? 

Join Thornton and Vara in USA Today bestselling author JoAnn Durgin’s latest release full of her trademark humor, romance, and lively, small-town characters in a story of God’s fierce passion and loving guidance for His children—if only they pay attention!

The Valentine Verse is sure to warm your soul during any season of the year. 

Click here to purchase your copy!

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About the Author:

JoAnn Durgin is the USA Today bestselling author of the beloved Lewis Legacy Series as well as Prelude, the prequel to the series. Her other works include the Amazon bestselling Catching Serenity, Heart’s Design and its sequel, Gentle Like the Rain, The Wondrous Love Series, Echoes of Edinburgh, Perchance to Dream, Whisper to My Heart, Thee Will I Cherish, The Christmas Challenge, and the popular Starlight Christmas Series. 

A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn now writes contemporary Christian romance full-time and lives with her family in her native southern Indiana. Writing Christian fiction is her passion, and she loves nothing more than sharing the hope to be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Guest Post from JoAnn Durgin

A Little More about The Valentine Verse from JoAnn Durgin (author):

I adore writing and reading contemporary Christian romance, but I’ve noticed very few novels in the genre have an actual Valentine’s Day theme and/or title. Perhaps authors believe it would limit the “shelf life” of their book. 

The way I see it, if Christmas novels (and Hallmark Christmas movies) can be popular year-round, why not Valentine’s Day books? I’ve always been somewhat of a rebel in my writing career. Don’t tell me I can’t do something or I might just try it (within reason)! After a Christmas release last year followed closely by the eighth installment (500 pages) of my longest-running series, I knew I couldn’t possibly release a Valentine’s Day book. That’s when one of the primary themes of The Valentine Verse “hit” me—Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be reserved only for February 14th. Expressing our love to one another should be celebrated throughout the year! This concept became the philosophy of the hero, Thornton Fielding, and the book released in early May. 

Let me tell you a little more about the idea for Thornton…I dedicated The Valentine Verse to my uncle, Mr. Thornton, and named my hero after him. My uncle was instrumental in my being able to quit my full-time paralegal job in mid-August 2014. Without going into specific details, there were three things that took place (“signs,” if you will) beginning earlier that same year, which seemed to clearly indicate I should try to make writing my full-time career. 

My debut novel released in late 2010 and the story of my road to publication can be found on my website at www.joanndurgin.com. By early 2014, my books were beginning to find faithful readers, and I was blessed with decent sales. The third and final “sign” and blessing came from Mr. Thornton. Truly, it was as if God were saying, “JoAnn, what more will it take for you to step out in faith?” I promised the Lord and myself that I’d take a year and see how it went…and I haven’t looked back since! I took the leap of faith, but I’m also doing what I feel the Lord has called me to do. 

Almost three years to the day of quitting my day job, I released my 24th novel. God is so good, and it is my great honor and privilege to write for His glory. Thank you to Celebrate Lit for the gracious opportunity for this blog tour. The Valentine Verse features fun characters (how can you miss with a small Minnesota town named Cherish?), heartwarming lessons, *sightings* of two of my most popular heroes from another series, and even a surprising twist at the end! 

I hope you’ll enjoy The Valentine Verse. 

Blessings, friends!

Love,

JoAnn 

*Matthew 5:16*

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Blog Stops

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 9

Christian Author, J.E.Grace Blog, January 9

Mommynificent, January 10

Power of Words, January 10 (Spotlight)

Karen Sue Hadley, January 11

Reading is my Super Power, January 11 (Interview)

Quiet Quilter, January 12

Remembrancy, January 13

proud to be an autism mom, January 14

Bibliophile Reviews, January 15

Texas Book-aholic, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

Janices book reviews, January 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 19

Carpe Diem, January 20

A Baker’s Perspective, January 21

Simple Harvest Reads, January 21 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

God is Love, January 22

A Greater Yes, January 23

margaret kazmierczak, January 23 (Interview)

Pursuing Stacie, January 24

Bigreadersite, January 24

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Giveaway:

To celebrate her tour, JoAnn is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon 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/c5dd

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Christmas Day book giveaway!

Merry Christmas, dear hearts! I hope you enjoyed my holiday book promotional series, "A Prelude to Christmas" which ended on Christmas Eve. Just when you may have thought that this holiday cheer and giving free books away was over, I have news for you: it's not! 

Today, I'd like to give you a Christmas present: A chance to spend time with a fabulous indie author and win a copy of her Christmas story, Wrapped in Red.

Here's the blurb for Wrapped in Red: A Steel City holiday romance sure to melt your heart. The holidays haven't been the easiest for Merry Grainger. Five years ago, she lost her grandfather and got dumped by her boyfriend right before Christmas. Each season since sees her determined to avoid getting hurt again, and so she keeps a steel-like grip on her hopeless romantic heart.

Music used to soothe Sam Shepard’s soul until the death of his biggest cheerleader broke his heart, family, and dreams into pieces. Now he’s focused on thriving in the city, and with the people, he’s grown to love—all to keep the hole in his heart from opening anew with every passing holiday season.

Thrown together by a church play and meddlesome family armed with mistletoe, will Merry and Sam unwrap their guarded hearts to let in the true hope of Christmas—and each other?

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Enter the book giveaway contest by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway ~*~
Interview with Meghan M. Gorecki, author of Wrapped in Red:

Alexis: Tell me about your story title, “Wrapped in Red.” What’s the significance of it?

Meghan: Long answer? The best present of all is Jesus—and all we have to do is accept, aka “unwrap” Himself into our lives. And His is the greatest love we will ever experience that is mirrored in the way we love others and the way others love us. Such a love colors all we do, is a thread not unlike a ribbon around a Christmas present!

Short answer? The Kelly Clarkson song by the same name inspired this whole roundabout train of thought surrounding my novel. LOL

Alexis: Is Steel City an actual place in the real world or did you create it just for this novel? Explain. Use words to paint a picture of Steel City. 

Meghan: The Steel City—Pittsburgh, PA—is my hometown. While it is now known for healthcare and technology and business, the core of this city is its industry. Charles Dickens when he visited here in the 1800’s actually described it as “Hell with its lid off” due to all the factories and mills and barges that went up and down all three rivers. Today towering skyscrapers of glass and steel pierce the sky above older (pre-Victorian era) architecture, surrounded by so many varied districts with colorful pasts like Polish Hill, the South Side Slopes, Lawrenceville, and so many more even I’ve yet to truly explore despite living here all my life.

Alexis: What is it about Wrapped in Red that you believe will melt the hearts of your readers?

Meghan: My hope is that readers will not only enjoy the Hallmark-movie-like cheesy romantic comedy that fits so very well with this time of year—but also come away reminded of the Greatest Love and all that He is capable of.

Alexis: Why did you name your story’s heroine “Merry”? Is there a special meaning behind her name?

Meghan: Oh I love this question! I named her Merry for a few reasons. Reason #1: It’s Christmas-y. Reason #2: It’s my middle name (except mine is spelled traditionally) Reason #3: Mary was my great-grandmother’s name. Reason #4: It’s always been one of my favorites.

Alexis: Tell us about Merry Grainger. What makes her the heroine of your story? What are her likes and dislikes? Describe her looks and heart. 

Meghan: Merry Grainger is a word-loving girl with a huge heart—with a fair share of scars from past hurts and dreams/hopes deferred. She likes coffee, old movies and books. Dislikes include snow, traffic (that Pittsburgh has in utter abundance), and people assuming.

Alexis: Why does Merry, as your book blurb says, keep a “steel-like grip on her hopeless romantic heart”?

Meghan: Merry has been hurt in the past, but despite all her efforts to not let it happen again—she has yet to totally kill the romantic in her as she struggles to keep her heart open. The short answer is is that she’s a lovable control freak in this department.

Alexis: Tell us about Sam Shepard. What makes him the hero of this story? Why is he passionate about music? What breaks his heart and what gives him hope?

Oh Sam. He is the hero of this story because he has an immensely caring soul—and he is a guy that pursues. A rare breed. He used to be passionate about music—piano specifically—and he was proficient in it. A shared love with his mother who was taken from this life when Sam was at a hard age. What gives him hope is a new dream he is uncovering—and the opportunity to do good and be there for the people in his life.

Alexis: Is Sam new to Steel City? Describe his journey. Tell us how he got there and what he loves most about it.

Meghan: Sam is relatively new to Pittsburgh for sure, and loves it for all the many layers of history just the architecture of the city tells. He ended up finishing college there and obtaining a degree in architectural design after a few years of leading a messy life that had him hit rock bottom before he could rise up and find a new dream.

Alexis: What can you tell us about the way Merry and Sam feel about each other without giving away your story’s plot? Do they like each other at first? Or did it take time for their hearts to grow fond of each other? Share a few details. 

Meghan: Sam liked Merry right off the bat. And she was decidedly against him. On principle because her family thought he’d be perfect for her. She had to warm up, and his pursuit touched her soul in a place she hadn’t realized she’d needed before.

Alexis: What do you, as the author, think that the “true hope of Christmas” will mean to your readers? What’s the moral of the story?

Meghan: The true hope of Christmas is that we are covered in Love. Wrapped in the arms of God, first and foremost—and called to love others as He loves us. Sacrificially. And sometimes that means letting go, and letting Him—realizing, as much as we may care for someone, we can’t fix them or make them better. And we must sacrifice our own wants and ideas for God’s will above all else. That is a huge part of the heart of this story—and something Merry and Sam come to learn in the course of the story.

Alexis: What did you, as the author, enjoy the most about creating your characters for this story and watching them live and breathe on the pages of your book?

Meghan: With the exception of Sam, I created the characters within these pages based on real life. Me and my family. The five best people I know—who put up with a lot from me. So I took those already living and breathing people, a few things God’s taken me through in my life, a good dose of imagination and creativity and turned it into a fictional story. Writing what I know is a joy and privilege for me—hence why I call this a novella of my heart. 

Alexis: How did you feel after writing "The End" to this lovely holiday romance story?

Meghan: When I wrote “The End”, I’ll be honest—it took me an hour of tweaking to be completely happy with it. Then I felt elation, exhaustion, relief and utter peace. That this was the story God wanted me to tell—and He alone enabled me to finish it. In the midst of a brand new day job and the holiday season with a big, busy family.

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

Meghan: Thank you so much for having me, Alexis! What a great time—and amazing questions, by the way. Such a joy to visit and share more about Wrapped in Red.

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Author bio: 

Meghan M. Gorecki is an author of inspirational fiction, a blogger, book reviewer and voracious reader. 

Taking her life a day at a time as God leads, she is pursuing a career in the publishing industry as an editor in training and as a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. 

A hopeless romantic, history and Marvel nut, she's also a redhead (thanks to a box), who knows way too much trivia about movie musicals and the Civil War. 

Find her on social media and at her blog, A Northern Belle (http://www.northernbellemeg.com).

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Buy Meghan's book, Wrapped in Red:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/2hUHfvc

Goodreads - http://bit.ly/2g8LR0u 

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Connect with Meghan:
Facebook || Twitter || Instagram