Bonnie Engstrom ~ RESTORING LOVE AT CHRISTMASTIME ~ Character Interview

Hey, Everybody! It's

and I have a treat for you. A fun interview with Jenni and Jake from author Bonnie Engstrom's book RESTORING LOVE AT CHRISTMASTIME. (a Giveaway, too!)

Interview with the H&H from RESTORING LOVE at CHRISTMASTIME by Bonnie Engstrom.

Are you two all comfy and ready for some chit-chat? Good. Here we go. Jenni, why did you want to take a memory journey?

I guess I’m at a bit of an impasse in life and wanted to reminisce at a place I remembered fondly. I didn’t imagine I would see Jake again. I assumed he would have moved on. Instead, he moved in!

What about you, Jake? How did you feel when Jenni showed up at Pleasant Springs?

I was shocked. Especially since she hadn’t aged from fifteen years ago. But I got a kick out of her eating her favorite pork roast dinner. So cute. So Jenni.

I see. So Jenni, what did Jake do when he saw you? What did you do?

He is such a funny man. He sat beside me at dinner trying to act nonchalant, as if fifteen years had never happened. Then he did this thing with chocolates, an overabundance of them. So Jake! Me? I tried to snub him. Didn’t work. The man is persistent.

I understand you went horseback riding, Jenni, just as you did when you first met as teens. What happened?

Too much funny stuff. You have to read the book to find out, especially about the skunk situation. Do I still smell?

Ha-ha. No, I haven’t caught a single whiff. Jake, I know you two had some disagreements. What was the most memorable in your almost restored romance?

When Jenni kicked me in the shin. That really hurt.

Ouch! I’ll bet it did. How about you, Jenni? What situation in your semi-restored romance do you remember most?

I really worried about how we would get along day by day, If we got together. Eating pasta seemed so simple, until...well, we argued how to eat it, for crying out loud. But, it’s actually my favorite part of our story.

I can see it now: Spaghetti Eating 101. Thanks Jenni and Jake for sharing. I hope your restored romance is forever.

Oh, it is! Please read the book for all the fun and romance.

RESTORING LOVE at CHRISTMASTIME is a 5 Star Readers Favorite. https://amzn.to/2MV5njO

A bit of history, from author Bonnie Engstrom

It is with great sadness after this book was completed I learned The Springs, as I call it in my story, burned down early in May 2017. I had returned to its website to check one detail when I saw the newspaper article. At the point when the article was written, May 3, 2017, no one had a clue how the devastating fire started in the 130-year-old hotel that burned it to the ground.

      The real name of the beautiful hotel was The Riverside Inn. It was a landmark in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania for well over one hundred years.

  

About the Author

Bonnie Engstrom is a multi-published author who writes women’s fiction and romances. All of her books are available on Amazon in eBook and print and can be special ordered at B&N.

She and her psychologist husband Dave reside in Arizona near four of their six grandchildren. The other two live in Costa Rica on the beach where the boys learned to surf and skateboard at the age of three. Pura Vida!

Visit Bonnie at her website www.bonnienegstrom.com to see the grandchildren and learn more about her writing journey and her books.

Email her at bengstrom@hotmail.com. She loves to hear from her readers

.

Join the chatter with her and other authors on her Facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/bonnieengstromauthor/ where she holds a weekly contest.

About the Giveaway

Bonnie will gift an eBook of Restoring Love at Christmastime to a randomly selected commenter, so please join in with questions and comments.

To enter, simply leave your hame and contact information in the comment section below. Giveaway ends one week from today on November 7 at Midnight O'Clock Central time.  

Overlooking Treasures in History ~ Barbara Britton

It's Wahoo Wednesday and I'm pleased to welcome author Barbara Britton to share the story of one of 5 intrepid women from the Old Testament you may never have heard about.

With that in mind, Barbara is offering a free eBook copy of this featured book to one of this post's readers. See below for details.

Overlooking Treasures in History

by Barbara Britton

I have been a Christian for over four decades. I’ve participated in weekly Bible studies, read through the Bible, and even joined a Bible quizzing team in high school. How had I missed the story of the daughters of Zelophehad? If they were the recipients of only a few verses then I could explain it away, but these historic sisters show up in the book of Numbers and the book of Joshua.

Who are the daughters of Zelophehad? Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah are five orphaned sisters who go to Moses and ask to inherit their deceased father’s land. This was no small ‘ask.’ Girls didn’t inherit land, especially young, unmarried girls. Where did these girls get the gumption to challenge societal norms of the day? Wouldn’t it be fascinating if we could hear the late-night tent talk of these sisters?

We may not have the words the girls said to each other, but we have the words the girls said to Moses. The girls also spoke to Eleazar the priest, the leaders of Israel, and a whole assembly. What did they say?

“Our father died in the desert. He was not among Korah’s followers, who banded together against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.”

(Numbers 27:3-4 NIV)

Moses, to his credit, did not dismiss the girls’ request. Moses sought God and God said the girls were correct. God says in Numbers 27:8 (NIV), “If a man dies and leaves no son, turn his inheritance over to his daughter.”

Yay, God!

There is more to the story of the daughters of Zelophehad that I bring out in my latest work of biblical fiction, “Lioness: Mahlah’s journey.” Many leaders were not happy with this new revelation and the girls would be brought before an assembly again.

I had only planned to write one book about these historic girls, but one book turned into three. The Israelites took several years to conquer Canaan, so the daughters of Zelophehad had to wait to receive their inheritance. They don’t let Joshua forget about their inheritance either.

The Bible never ceases to amaze me. Now, I pay more attention to stories in lesser-read books of the Bible. And I did have fun creating the girls’ tent talk.

Back cover copy of “Lioness: Mahlah’s Journey:”

While the Israelites struggle to occupy the Promised Land of God, Mahlah bat Zelophehad is orphaned and left to care for her four sisters. But daughters of the dead are unable to inherit land, and it will take a miracle for Mahlah to obtain the means to care for her sisters and uphold the vow she made to her dying mother.

Mahlah must seek Moses, the leader of her people, and request something extraordinary—the right for a daughter to inherit her deceased father’s land. A right that will upset the ox-cart of male inheritance and cast her in the role of a rebel.

But, God is the protector of the orphan and the widow, and five orphaned daughters need His help. With God, anything is possible. Even changing man’s tradition.

Theme: Go forth with God.

You can purchase “Lioness” from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or other retailers.

“Heavenly Lights: Noah’s Journey” and “Claiming Canaan: Milcah’s Journey” will launch this spring.

Okay, blog readers, were you aware of the story of the daughters of Zelophehad?

About Barb:

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction for teens and adults. Barb brings little-known Bible stories to light in her Tribes of Israel series. Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. She is published by Harbourlight Books an imprint of Pelican Book Group. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. 

Find out more about Barb and her books at www.barbarambritton.com

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Follow her on Facebook, Twitter or BookBub.

About the Giveaway: Barb is giving away one free eBook copy of "Lioness ~ Mahlah's Journey" to one of this post's readers who leave a comment an ANSWER Barb's question above. Giveaway ends one week from today on November 8 at Midnight O'clock Central Time. Be sure to leave contact info so you can be notified if you're the selected winner.

A Mighty Fortress is Our God ~ Hymn Story ~ Lucy Neeley Adams

                               A MIGHTY FORTRESS                               

a Hymn Story by

Lucy Neely Adams

  There was no war, but it was definitely a conflict in Wittenburg, Germany on October 31, 1517.  A Catholic priest posted a list of complaints against his church and nailed them to the front door.  

   That expression of anguish in the heart of the priest–Martin Luther–brought about the greatest upheaval in the Christian faith since the beginnings of the Christian movement. Much conflict arose between those who wanted change and those who did not.  So, it was a blessing that a very sympathetic friend led him to hide in the safety of a castle.

     It was there that Luther reaffirmed the protection and comfort of a mighty God.  Within his temporary hiding place, the words of Psalm 46 came alive and were overwhelming.  We also feast on those words from our Bible:  "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

     During those days of solitude, prayer and Bible study, Luther began to translate the Scripture into the German language.  He said, "All people must be able to read God's word for themselves."

     Likewise, he believed that church music was for all to sing.  He also believed that "the devil, who is the originator of sorrowful anxieties and restless troubles, flees before the sound of God's music almost as much as before the Word of God".

     With that inspiration, he composed the hymn,  A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD.  It begins with a bold affirmation of a powerful and loving God:   

  

  " A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.    Our helper, He amid the flood, of mortal ills prevailing."

      When Luther returned to face his critics, he was armed with renewed determination.  He would not recant his protests against the Catholic church.  So, after a struggle for several years with officials in Rome, he was excommunicated in 1520.

     However, this great Christian leader did not lose heart.  He continued teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ until his death in 1546 at the age of 63.  He lived in the town of his birth, Eisleben, Saxony, Germany.  His majestic hymn, A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD, was sung at his funeral and the first line is engraved on his tombstone.

     For more than 500 years it has been sung by millions of Christians around the world.  During these days of fall festivals and fun activities, we are also encouraged that our Christian faith is strong because our Lord is strong and a loving fortress.  Other words in the great hymn remind us that "we do not need to confide in our own strength but in Christ Jesus who is the same from age to age."  Also, we rejoice because "God's truth abideth still and His Kingdom is forever."  

Lucy Neeley Adams     

October 2019

Linore Rose Burkard ~ Forever, Lately ~ Book spotlight

 Hello, all, it's

 Today's guest is

author Linore Rose Burkard, featuring her newest release, Forever, Lately

The stage is yours, Linore

I wanted to write a Regency time travel for years. When I saw the movie “Kate and Leopold” with Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman I thought, Oh no! Someone used my idea! 

But I needn’t have worried. Leopold was a Victorian gentleman, not from the Regency, first of all, and secondly, though I enjoyed the flick, I kept thinking it missed so many opportunities for humor. (Having written a screenplay since then, I realize now why it missed so many; tight scripts just don’t have room for all the scenes that could be fun.)

When I wrote my story, however, not only was it fundamentally different, but I was able to include a lot more humorous scenes than a screenplay…all the ones that had been floating around in my head for eons. So this is why the book is a lot of fun to read—particularly when the Regency hero shows up in the present day. 

On a side note: I started this book years ago and then dropped it, mostly because I wanted to write it as a Christian romance like my other Regencies. But I kept running into roadblocks. And Christian publishers weren’t interested in time travel. Finally I realized I had to let God out of MY box and write the story He was giving me, not the one I thought He should give me. After that, it came together remarkably easily, and I think in a very fun way. Due to reader interest in a sequel, I’m now brainstorming that book. 

What Readers Think:

 

“Move over, Poldark! Julian St. John is our new English heartthrob!" Lisa K. Simonds, Author, All In 

Such a fun read! I do believe it is my favorite of your books!"
Debbie Lynne Costello, Author, Sword of Forgiveness 

“A delightful roller coaster ride of a book! Had me reading nonstop.”
Donna J. Shepherd, Children's Author, Book Reviewer 

 

Book Title: Forever, Lately

Author: Linore Rose Burkard

Publisher: Lilliput

Release Date: August 30, 2019

Back Cover Blurb:

1816, England
Julian St. John needs a wife. An oath to a deceased guardian must be kept. Miss Clarissa Andrews, a vexatious beauty, has dangled after him all season but he has no intention of choosing such a she-devil.  

Maine, Present Day 
Author Claire Channing is desperate to write a bestseller to save her failing career. She moves into her grandmothers abandoned cottage to write the book, but a local resort baron wants to raze the place. Without the deed, the clock is ticking on how long she can stay. She thinks she’s writing St. John’s story. But when she discovers an old prayer shawl and finds herself in his Regency world, she falls in love with him, a man she thought she invented! 

Miss Andrews, however, is also real—and she’d rather see Julian dead than in another women’s arms!  

Claire must beat the clock to prevent a deadly tragedy, but can love beat the limits of time itself? 

Book purchase Links:

Amazon eBook purchase link

Amazon Print book purchase link

B&N purchaselink: 

 

 Author Bio:

Linore Rose Burkard is a serious watcher of period films, a Janeite, and hopeless romantic. An award winning author best known for Inspirational Regency Romance, her first book opened the genre for the CBA. Besides historical romance, Linore writes contemporary suspense (The Pulse Effex Series, as L.R. Burkard), contemporary romance (Falling In), and romantic short stories. Linore has a magna cum laude English Lit. degree from CUNY which she earned while taking herself far too seriously. She now resides in Ohio with her husband and family, where she turns her youthful angst into character or humor-driven plots.

Linore  is Vice President of the Dayton Scribes, and a Regional Director of CAN, Christian Authors Network. She founded Lilliput Press, a vehicle for Indie Publishing, where “little dreams become books.” 

Sign up for Linore's newsletter to be automatically entered in monthly book drawings. You'll also receive a free novella, Coach and Four: Allisandra's Tale, set in the days of King Charles II! 

Enter your email to join here: http://www.LinoreBurkard.com 

Social Media Links for Linore:

Facebook: Linore Rose Burkard Fan Club   (https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuthorNewsfromLinore/) 

Facebook: Linore Burkard  (https://www.facebook.com/linore.burkard)interest  (https://www.pinterest.com/linoreburkard/) 

Twitter: @LinoreRBurkard   (https://twitter.com/linorerburkard)

Website: (*New one under construction)  Current Site: http://www.LinoreBurkard.com