Monday, November 30, 2015

Lily of the Valley Blog Tour-Book Spotlight + Giveaway!

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Happy Cyber Monday! In honor of the biggest internet shopping day of the year, or at least one of them, Faith Blum decided to do a blog tour release of her newest novel, Lily of the Valley. There are two giveaway opportunities and lots of fun interviews and excerpts.

About the Book

Howdy, Teacher! You don’t know me, but my kids talk bout you a lot. I been lookin fer a wife and mother fer a few years and was wonderin iffen we cood meet and get to no each other a bit. I’ll come after skool to git yer answer. Grover Miller
Lily of the Valley FrontUnruly schoolchildren, three suitors, and too many things to do. When Ruth Brookings rejects one of the suitors, he refuses to accept no for an answer. To make matters worse, when she prays for guidance, she’s answered with a challenge instead: To encourage her friend to find a wife—whether he wants one or not. Will she lose her friend just when she needs a friend the most? Will she be able to weather the storms she’s about to face? Purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016VAJ7EW

 

About the Author

Author Picture 2015-2016 b Faith Blum started writing at an early age. She started even before she could read! She even thought she could write better than Dr. Seuss. (The picture doesn't show it well, but there are scribblings on the page of Green Eggs and Ham). Now that she's grown up a little more, she knows she will probably never reach the success of Dr. Seuss, but that doesn't stop her from trying. When she isn't writing, Faith enjoys doing many right-brained activities such as reading, crafting, writing, playing piano, and playing games with her family. One of her dreams is to visit Castle City, Montana someday to see the ghost town she chose for her characters to live in. She currently lives on a hobby farm with her family in Wisconsin.

Free Book

BTMV Free Promo 11

Today is the last day to get Be Thou My Vision (Hymns of the West #2) free! Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NF3QV52

Giveaway

Faith has a Goodreads giveaway going on through November 30th! Be sure to check it out and enter to win one of two signed paperback copies of Lily of the Valley.  

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Lily of the Valley by Faith Blum

Lily of the Valley

by Faith Blum

Giveaway ends November 30, 2015. See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter Giveaway

Giveaway

In addition to the Goodreads giveaway, Faith is also giving away all four of her paperback novels to one lucky winner!

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Bloggers involved

November 29:

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections-Tour introduction

Shanna Hatfield-Book Spotlight

November 30:

Musings of Inspiration-Author Interview/Book Spotlight

C.K.Rich-Book Spotlight

Singing Librarian Books-Book Review/Author Interview

Writing Dreams-Author Interview/Character Interview/Book Spotlight

Tara Ellis - Wife. Mother, Indie Author and Photographer-Book Spotlight

Christa Reads & Writes-Book Spotlight

Rebekah Lyn Books-Book Spotlight

The Overactive Imagination-Author Interview

Wildflower Acres-Book Review/Spotlight

Jaye L. Knight-Book Spotlight

Zerina Blossom's Books-Book Review/Spotlight

God's Peculiar Treasure Rae-Book Spotlight

Tamie Dearen’s Blog-Book Review/Spotlight

Clean Indie Reads

Friday, November 27, 2015

Black Friday Craziness

I don’t know how many of you braved the Black Friday craziness. I did. Yep, I dragged myself out of bed, stumbled through getting dressed, and braved the cold. And. It. Was. Cold. *shivers* By the time I actually got inside the first store, I didn’t care about any of the sales anymore. I just wanted to get warm! Well, I did end up getting everything I wanted, so it wasn’t for nothing. But I’m cozied up at home now, wearing the new Minion pajama pants I just bought. And I’m thinking more and more about how I like shopping online instead. So, if you’re like me, here are the Black Friday sales I have to offer you! I had them all in my email I sent out on Wednesday, but not all of you are on my emailing list and I didn’t want you to miss out!

KindleBookSale

All the Ilyon Kindle books are on sale! Just hop on over to Amazon to get your copies, or gift them to someone! There’s also a sale on nearly all of my previously published books (as Molly Evangeline). You can find them on Amazon too.download

But Kindle books aren’t the only book sales for you! You can get all of my paperbacks at around 20% off, plus get book sets at a discount. And they all include free shipping! Just check out Indie Christian Books. You can order the Resistance audiobook CD there as well. And there are many other awesome books by indie Christian authors on sale too!

HolidaySale

And don’t forget Etsy! From now through Monday you can get 20% off all jewelry and accessories! Just use the promo code HOLIDAY20 at checkout.

Thanks for your support!

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Books I’m Thankful For and Black Friday Book Sale!

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Like most other bookworms, great books make their way onto my "things I'm thankful for" list every year. It's hard to choose favorites, especially since I didn’t get a chance to read nearly as many as I would have liked, but here are five books I read in 2015 and am thankful for.
  1. The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson: I had heard of Brandon Sanderson, but didn’t know anything about his books. I probably never would have read them if I had not seen some of my online friends gushing over them. It’s hard to find good fantasy, and this book, along with book 2, quickly became on of my all time favorites. I am thankful to have a fantasy series that is not only fascinating, but quite clean as far as secular fiction goes. 
  2. Exiles, by R.J. Larson: I was so excited to start R.J. Larson’s new series, and it did not disappoint. One of the things I love most about her books is how well she writes God’s relationship with His people. Her books are not only entertaining, but also very spiritually uplifting. 
  3. Dare, by Tricia Mingerink (which is part of the Black Friday sale!!): You never know what it’s going to be like reading an indie book. Will it be good? Will it be bad? And if you happen to know the author, what in the world do you tell them if you don’t like it?! I had some of these anxieties when I first sat down to read Dare. Oh what a pleasant surprise. The book was fantastic, and I completely fell in love with it. Book 2 is just as good. I love how real Tricia’s characters and their struggles are.
  4. Siren’s Fury, by Mary Weber: This is a rather dark series, but it’s definitely one that gets you thinking. I very much appreciated the powerful conclusion the main character reached concerning the power of love.
  5. A Worthy Pursuit, by Karen Witemeyer: Karen Witemeyer is my favorite historical author. I’m always giddy with excitement whenever she has a new book coming out. I’m thankful to have such wonderful stories to look forward to from her.
I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to another great year of reading! Speaking of more reading, here's one more thing to be grateful for. Books on sale! In honor of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, a group of independent Christian authors banded together to offer over seventy discounted books on Nov 27-30. There's literally something for everyone.

Every single book listed on Indie Christian Books is on sale in one or more ways. Find discounted paperbacks, dozens of books offered with free shipping, $0.99 ebooks, package deals and more. Even if you have a budget of $0, new reading material awaits you.

Don't know what to pick? The fearless Indie Christian Books team created a quiz that will generate a book list perfect for you! Check it out!

Book Quiz

What awesome reads of 2015 are you grateful for? What books are you looking forward to reading in 2016?
A note on the Ebooks Only page. All books are listed as "Sold Out." This only refers to paperback copies of these titles. Please click onto the product pages to find descriptions and links to discounted or free ebooks.
Acknowledgements: Thanks to Leah E. Good for her work organizing this sale, Gloria Repp for completing the time consuming job of uploading book info to the sale website, and Hannah Mills for her fantastic design work on the website graphics. Hannah can be contacted at hmills(at)omorecollege(dot)edu for more information about her design services.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Resistance Audiobook + Giveaway!

As many of you may know, I’ve been working J. Grace Pennington to produce an audiobook version of Resistance. I’m very happy to announce that the day has finally come that said audiobook is finished and available! Under normal circumstances, I might have had some participating bloggers and a big release celebration, but this time of year is way too crazy to plan something like that. I didn’t want to push the release back because I want it available for Christmas sales, so here it is. :)

ResistanceAudiobookCover

Buy Now!

At the moment, the MP3 version is available for download, but for those of you who don’t have the internet power to download it (like me :P ), or you’d just rather have a hard copy, I’ve got it covered! I should have a CD version of the audiobook available to purchase in a week or so. I’m just waiting on my shipment of CD inserts and cases. :)

The audiobook costs $19.99 to purchase, but I’m offering a special introductory price and early holiday sale. From now through Monday, November 30th, you can get it for 20% off! Again, if you’d like the CD version, don’t worry. I’ll have the same discount on them once they’re available.

When you go to purchase the MP3 version, just use the promo code SPECIAL20 when you check out to get 20% off. :)

Here is the first chapter so you can give it a listen!

But what would a release be without a giveaway, right? Use the form below to enter to win a CD copy of the audiobook! U.S. entries only please. I’m afraid I can’t ship internationally.

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

How A Star Falls Anniversary

You may remember my review of How A Star Falls by Amber Stokes that I shared as part of the release of the novella. Well, that was a whole year ago! Now Amber is celebrating the one year anniversary!

A Note from the Author

A year ago today (November 18th), my little star story, How a Star Falls, landed on Amazon. I’m thrilled to celebrate the anniversary of its release with you by introducing a brand-new cover (where the hero, Derrick, makes an appearance) and sharing a fun giveaway with prizes from some of my favorite Etsy shops!

If you journeyed with Derrick and Brielle when their story first released, thank you for allowing them into your heart. And if this will be your first time meeting them, I hope you’ll be encouraged by their story and reminded of the hope of Psalm 138:8: “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me.”

Blessings through life’s seasons!

~Amber

About the Book

HowaStarFalls-new

Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance Novella

How does a star fall?
Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.

Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he'll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it's far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won't stop trying to run his life.

Then Brielle falls into his world.

She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she's crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can't just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.

And his whole world falls apart.

A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.

This novella is available in the following formats:

How-a-Star-Falls-audio-cover-new22-hour unabridged audiobook ($6.95)

Paperback ($6.99)

Kindle ebook ($.99)

 

 

 

 

 

Author Bio

Amber StokesAmber Stokes works as a marketing content writer for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home.

You can learn more about Amber’s books, sign up for her author newsletter, join the Amber’s Gems street team, and more at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

Cover Designer Bio

Lena GoldfinchLena Goldfinch writes inspirational historical romance and books for teens. She’s always been a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She enjoys life in a quiet small town with her husband, two kids, and two very spoiled black Labs.

Visit Lena at www.LenaGoldfinch.com.

Giveaway!

How a Star Falls Anniversary Giveaway CollageFill out the form below to enter to win one of three prizes from some of the author’s favorite Etsy shops! The prizes are…

· Sparkle Green and Red Christmas Earrings from Baubles, Beads and Stuff

· Silver Compass Crystal Charm Necklace from Jaye L. Knight

· Santa Bunyan Note Cards (Set of 3) from Cindy Lindgren

Why these prizes? The earrings include stars, which fit this occasion for obvious reasons. ;) The compass is a reference to a song mentioned in the story: “If My Heart Was a House” by Owl City (you can listen HERE). And the cards are a little teaser for my next contemporary romance, Where Trains Collide. (Let’s just say the hero’s nickname is Paul Bunyan. Can you guess the heroine’s nickname?)

Note: Giveaway is open to US residents only due to shipping costs.

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

Kate’s Innocence Blog Tour—Guest Post + Giveaway!

kblog tour

Today I’m sharing a guest post by author Sarah Holman introducing the main character of her new book, Kate’s Innocence! Sarah is also offering a giveaway, so make sure to enter! But first, a little bit about the book.

About:

What would you do if you were accused of a crime you didn’t commit?

Kate watched as her campus was torn apart by bombs and now is being accused of perpetrating the crime. As the evidence quickly stacks up against her, she begins to lose hope that the truth will come to light. Even though the handsome FBI Agent, Patrick, has taken up her cause, will they be able to prove her innocence? Will God, who she neglected for so long, listen to her prayers for help?

Patrick is an agent with a very special team of agents. He wants to help Kate prove she is innocent, but as each new piece of evidence is revealed, that goal seems harder. He wonders why he feels so compelled to help her and so sure she is innocent despite the evidence. Will he be willing to put his job on the line to help her? Can he trust in God to make sure the truth will come out in the end?

KMeetKate

Today I would like to introduce you to the main character of my new series, Kate’s Case Files. She is accused of a crime she didn’t commit and is working with the FBI to prove it. But who is Kate Mayfield?

~ is a 22 year old college student

~ is studying to become an explosives expert in the army

~ has already served one tour-of-duty in the army

~ is the daughter of a general in the army

~ loves to jog

~ doesn’t like sugar

~ doesn’t have a lot of friends

~ has straight, blond hair

~ has brown eyes

Here is a peek into her story:

The whole building shook, and Kate fell to the floor as she heard the window shatter. All the lights went out, and Kate lay for a moment gasping for breath. What had just happened? Had someone thrown a rock through the window? Had a transformer blown?

“Kate? What did you knock over this time?” Her father’s voice was full of amusement. “Sometimes, I wonder how you do so well in the military being klutzy out of it. I guess the army is in your blood.”

Kate blinked in the darkness. She sat up, the clinking of broken glass met her as she shifted and looked around. Screams and panicked voices called to each other outside her dorm room. An orange glow came from the direction of the blown-out window.

“Kate?!”

“Dad, something has happened.” Kate’s voice squeaked as she scrambled to her feet.

“What has happened?”

“I don’t know,” Kate whispered. She moved slowly toward the window, afraid to find out.

“What?”

“I’ll call you back, Dad.” Kate hung up before there could be any further argument. She walked slowly toward the window, moving her tennis shoe back and forth on the floor to brush away the glass. Her eyes widened in horror as got closer to the window. In front of her, one of the main lecture halls was burning. Something very bad had happened.

Bam!

Kate’s ears hurt, and she could not believe her eyes as an explosion ripped through the administration building further away.

Giveaway

Kgiveaway

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Monday, November 9, 2015

Black Friday Promo Survey

Yep, it’s that time of the year. The holidays are just about here. *still mourning over the end of summer* Anyway, this is always a time for great sales. I’ll be participating in a Black Friday promo with other fellow indie Christian authors, but we want to know what YOU would like to see as part of the promo. Just fill out the survey below.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

An Update and a New Award!

Hey everyone! Long time, no . . . uh, post. Yeah, my life is a chaotic mix of racing to edit Samara’s Peril, keeping up with Etsy orders, and preparing for holiday sales. I seriously feel like I’m never going to catch up. Why can’t days be 48 hours instead of 24? I definitely need a few more hours to get to everything that’s pressing on me every day. Such is the life of a self-employed entrepreneur, I suppose. Despite all the chaos, I am incredibly grateful for how God has been providing and giving me success I never imagined having, in both my writing and my Etsy business. I might feel like I’m drowning in deadlines and pressing business stuff, but it’s better than wondering how you will afford even simple necessities.

Now, for the award bit. I’m a little late in sharing this news, but a couple of weeks ago, I got the news that Resistance has been honored with a B.R.A.G. Medallion!

BragMedallion

I’m so excited about how Resistance is doing. I was really quite nervous when I first published it, sending my baby out into the big, scary world. But my fears weren’t necessary, thanks to God working in the story and the wonderful readers who have become so dear to me over the last year and a half. You all are the best! :)