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Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Interview & Giveaway: Regina Walker ~ Author of "We Go On"

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Regina!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 
Thank you for having me Melanie! I am so excited to be here sharing about me and my books. I am a write-at-home wife/mom and most importantly, Jesus girl. We live on a few acres and have a garden, chickens, horses, dogs, and cats.  


What is your debut novel, We Go On, about?
We Go On is about a family enduring the grief of losing their oldest son to suicide. They really wrestle with each other and God as they figured out what to do after their loss.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 
I've written for as long as I can remember. I actually drafted my first novel ten years ago. I couldn't get it perfect and after butchering it and rebuilding it a few times, I was frustrated. That was a two year project. The next eight years saw me blogging off and on, and starting 11 other novels, none of which have reached the end of their first draft.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk? 
I don't argue with a muse. If I sit down to write and I draw a blank, I brain dump all my thoughts on a blank document. If clearing my mind doesn't get me in writing mode, then I sit and do a five-minute deep breathing exercise.   One of, or both of, those things always get me geared up and ready to put the words on the page.

Where do you like to write? 
I don't have my ideal writing space right now. Currently I either set up at my desk in the corner of my bedroom or I bring my laptop to my bed and get comfy. Someday, I want a home office that is just for my bookshelves and my writing.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
We are blended and have 7 kids between us. I homeschool the 3 youngest, which I LOVE (most of the time). I also love to ride horses, tend my garden, and read. I will curl up with my husband and watch crime series on TV because that's his love language (nevermind how hooked I get on those stories).  

What is your favorite genre to read and why?
Christian fiction. I like redemption and second chance stories. My life is a testament to the goodness of God and I guess I just really like that in the stories I read, too.  

What is your least favorite genre to read?
I don't care for anything scary. And nothing explicit.  

Is there a place you'd like to visit, but haven’t yet? 
In the US: Redwood National Forest and Mt. Rushmore
Internationally: I'd like to see Ireland.  

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT  
 
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
Favorite song: Run to the Father by Cody Carnes and Another in the Fire by Hillsong United
Favorite movie:   Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley

What is your favorite holiday? 
All of the ones that give me a reason to cook a big feast and pies. I love it when family, friends, and neighbors come together to eat good food and spend time with each other.  

What is your favorite season and why is it your fav?
I am a spring/fall girl. I like moderate temperatures, I like watching everything come to life, and I like watching the earth prepare for slumber.  

Some this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Thunderstorms
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Tea or Coffee? Tea
Call or Text? Text
Cats or Dogs? Yes. I love all the furry and feathered things.
Early-bird or Night-owl? Night-owl by nature, but I force a lot of early mornings to write.
Introvert or Extrovert? Ambivert
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook (I'm not even on Twitter)
Mystery or Romance? Either if it's clean.
Sneakers or Sandals? Cowboy boots

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint? 
I am working on a second book for the Then Comes Hope collection, titled Still With Us. This book is going to dive into what a family deals with when a teenager attempts suicide and survives.  

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?
Thank you for having me! This has been a fun interview. I want to thank the readers for joining us here to learn more about me and my life. You can find me online at http://reginawalkerauthor.com, www.facebook.com/ginawalkerauthor, http://www.instagram.com/reginawalkerauthor   Happy Reading!


Enter for a chance to win an e-copy of  We Go On! Giveaway is open to the US. Ends 7/2

How to enter: Sign into the Giveaway Tools form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!



Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Giveaway Tools and announced here as well as emailed and will have up to one week to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Giveaway Tools or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. I am not responsible for any packages lost or damaged in the mail. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads


This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Monday, February 10, 2020

Celebrate Lit Tour: Forgotten Faith

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

About the Book


Book: Forgotten Faith
Author: Lauren Reeves
Genre: Non-fiction/Christian Devotional
Release Date: December 20, 2019

When Christians are challenged to explain what they believe and why, too many fall short. Do the majority of Christians feel true commitment to their faith anymore? Are they able to retain hope and perseverance when trials come? Or do they find themselves questioning God’s goodness? We live in a time where Christians seem to have forgotten their once strong faith.

In her book Forgotten Faith, popular podcaster and speaker Lauren Reeves teaches Genesis in a way that keeps her reader wanting more. She provides the foundation necessary to make the rest of the Bible make sense long after this book’s last page is turned. From cover to cover, the believer will find a fascinating study of Genesis and that Genesis and Revelation go hand in hand, painting a picture of the End Times and the reason for hope. The content has the ability to do for readers what might otherwise take years of study to unveil.

Forgotten Faith seeks to uncover treasures in Genesis that have long been hidden away, treasures that are relevant to today and the End of Days and have been waiting for the right time to be known—and the time is now.
Behold, I am coming soon . . . I am the Alpha and Omega,
the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
Revelation 22:12–13


 Click here (aff) to get your copy of the book!  

About the Author


Lauren Reeves loves to encourage the heart of a person into a deeper walk with Christ. She believes the mind informs the heart, so offering resources that are engaging and fascinating is necessary. Bible literacy ranks as one of the biggest ways she wants to influence the body of Christ, and she has an extraordinary gift for explaining intimidating theological ideas in easy-to-understand ways that keep a reader wanting more. She is the co-host of Joy for the Journey Podcast with Tammy Whitehurst (www.joyforthejourneypodcast.com) and loves teaching God’s word, songwriting, and leading people into worship. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Christian apologetics from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in religion from Baylor University. Lauren and her family live on a ranch in Texas. Learn more at www.laurenreeves.com  

More from Lauren

Why did I write this book? Because I’ve often been told that learning and understanding Genesis is the foundation for the rest of the Bible. Much of the Christian worldview can be found there, which effects our decision making. But Genesis not only lays the foundation for the rest of the Bible, it is closely linked with Revelation, the last book in the Bible. Just about every time I’ve asked a Bible study group what they would like to learn about next, one of the number one answers was always “Revelation” or “End Times Events.” Even though for years people have been hungry to learn more about Revelation, most Christians and churches try to steer clear of this subject because the end times plan can be intimidating and is not 100 percent clear from Jesus’s revelation to John in that book. Since differing opinions often cause dissension, people understandably avoid areas of the Bible that aren’t absolutely clear. However, I believe those words would not have been given to us to read if we were supposed to avoid studying them. For that reason, I’ve taken the risk and written a book on Genesis that ties Genesis and Revelation together helping us to understand the end times plan more clearly. One thing I hope is clear in my book, though, is you don’t have to agree with my interpretation of end times events to glean great truths and a greater understanding of the Bible through my book. One stance had to be taken to talk about the subject in detail, but truly, if a reader does not agree with my stance, it’s not a big deal. There’s way more to the book than that. The goal was to make us all think on and around Genesis and Revelation to help us study it and have opportunity for the Holy Spirit to reveal truths to us through the Word. I hope other books are written from different end times stances so we can read and study from a different angle. The more we read from different angles, the more we grow in knowledge and understanding. It is my belief that being certain that there IS an end times plan is what helps anchor the hope of Christ firmly in our souls. If we don’t have a forward view, it is so easy to get stuck in the tunnel vision of the here and now, which can often appear hopeless. So, now more than ever before, Christians need to be studying the first book of the Bible to know what we believe and the last book of the Bible to know that there is an end times plan that is sure and wonderful. I hope this book stirs your soul in a unique way. It is deep, yet devotional. I really believe it is a book for today.

Blog Stops


Blossoms and Blessings, February 4 (Author Interview)
Godly Book Reviews, February 5
deb’s Book Review, February 6
Texas Book-aholic, February 7
Through the Fire Blogs, February 8 (Author Interview)
Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 10 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, February 11
Mary Hake, February 12
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 13 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, February 16 (Author Interview)

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Lauren is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW:


Will you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

Ever since Christ captured my heart, the most defining way I see myself is “His.”  Admittedly, I don’t always act like His, but when I get off track, it never takes long to sense the Holy Spirit inside me whisper, “This is not who you are.”  I am most fulfilled when I’m walking where He leads, even if it’s the harder road.  So I can’t tell you what role I will be playing forever other than being His.  I am a wife, but if my husband dies (though I hope I go first!), I am no longer actively a wife – I’m a widow.  I’m a daughter but if my mother dies, even though I am still her daughter, I don’t get to play that role this side of heaven anymore.  Nothing in this world is constant other than who we are in relation to Christ.  That’s something I always try to remember.  Because when I start putting my identity in anything else, it will always feel shaky.  But if I keep my identity in Christ, I can be a thousand things throughout life and never lose my footing.

What is your latest book about?  
Forgotten Faith is about the book of Genesis in the Bible.  But it’s not just a book about Genesis, it does something unique.  It highlights the many ties between Genesis and Revelation.  In my research I came to realize that the first and the last book of the Bible are tightly knit.  They are like a perfect opening and closing by the best author.  They play into one another giving us a foundation and a certain hope.  I’ve often heard it said that Genesis is the foundation for understanding the rest of the Bible.  I do believe that.  But now I believe Revelation might be almost just as significant.  I’m convinced Forgotten Faith is a necessary book for today, and that’s one reason I wrote it. 

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book?  If so, what was the most interesting thing you learned?  
I really did years of research for this book without knowing it.  I became interested in the topics within Forgotten Faith and through the past several years I’ve been researching and learning without a clear picture of the book it would one day become.  I was learning because I was curious, not because I wanted to write a book.  But as time went on, I realized what I had been interested in and learning about had a theme.  So I set out to explore writing a book on Genesis.  Everything started coming together, but it wasn’t until I started gathering all of my research that I realized Genesis and Revelation tip their hat to one another pretty often – more often than I ever expected.  So, generally speaking, that was one of the most fascinating things to me.

Where do you like to write?  
My favorite place to write is in my home office.  My books are all on a bookshelf behind me for easy access, my computer screen is big so I can see what I’m working on easily, and my English Springer Spaniel sits lovingly at my feet.  It really is one of my favorite places.  If I’m going to be reading a lot for research though, I usually choose to be outside.  I’ll sit on the back porch and let the dogs play in the yard, or I’ll sit out in a swing where I can let our horses out of their pasture to graze on new grass around me.  Our geese usually come over and play with my shoelaces while I read.  Being an animal lover, those creatures make research peaceful and not as grueling.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?  
I’ve found I have to have an outline.  Have to!  I’ve started so many books and never finished them – not because it wasn’t interesting, but because I went so far off the point of the book and spent so much time doing it, that I didn’t know how to get back without just starting over!  So outlines are necessary for me, even though outlining is the least fun process ever.  I used an outline when writing Forgotten Faith, and it made all the difference.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?  
I like playing games with friends and family, spending time with the horses (or any animal), and going on weekend trips with my husband and friends.

Is there a place you’d like to visit but haven’t yet?  
Yes!  We have some friends that just got back from a trip to Estes Park, Colorado.  They stayed in a cabin there in the snow. They got to see so many elk and deer.  They tubed on a snow hill.  I’m pretty sure if we ever go, we will have to snow mobile as well!  I’ve never been around snow much living in Texas, so I’d really like to experience that!  I love the idea of playing and being around snow all day and then coming in the cabin, building a fire, and watching movies and playing games at night.  That would be so fun!

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? 
Is it crazy if I say that I don’t have a favorite???  I like so many for so many different reasons that I’ve rarely been able to nail just one or two down as a true favorite.  I guess the verse that has most recently stirred my heart is Zephaniah 3:16b-17 – “…let not your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

Do you have a favorite movie?  
My all-time favorite movie is The Secret Life of Bees.  No, it’s not a documentary about bees!  It was a book first (and a very profound book at that!) by Sue Monk Kidd.  The movie has Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifa, and Alicia Keys in it.  Something about that movie resonates with me.  It has become my comfort movie.  If I’m needing comfort, that’s the movie I will watch.  I have probably seen it over 50 times, no joke.

What are some nonfiction books you found impactful?  
The most recent one I can think of was I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek.  I loved it.  My masters is in Christian Apologetics and that book does a good job of equipping us with answers for why we believe what we believe.  It’s definitely worth the read!  I would also recommend C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity as well as A Grief Observed, and I loved Grace is Greater by Kyle Idleman.

What is your favorite holiday?  
Definitely Christmas because I love seeing people come together and selflessly buy for kids on angel trees. I love seeing the lights and decorations on neighborhood houses.  I love how many Christmas parties and events there are during that time of year.  And I love hearing Christmas songs playing in the stores and radio stations.  People hear about Christ more this time of year than probably any other, even if it’s only subtly.  I love that the whole holiday of Christmas is centered around Jesus, and the majority of the nation still celebrates it!

What is your favorite season and why is it your favorite?  
Spring is my favorite because of how all the wildflowers and trees start blooming.  I always think its so significant that so many species of trees and plants burst into bloom every year right around Easter/Passover.  It’s like the creation is praising Jesus in its own way for making a way for redemption!  The timing is so perfect and the thought of creation praising Jesus moves me ever year!

Are you currently working on any new novels?  If so, could you give us a hint?  
I’ve actually taken a little break from writing so I can finish seminary.  Seminary has a significant amount of reading homework, practicums, and papers, so I’m going to focus on finishing that and then I will start working on my next book.  I will admit, though, I have already been jotting down notes and significant things I’ve been learning.  I can feel another book rising up in me!  I love it.


Thank you so much for being here!  Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?  
Well, thank you for having me!  I guess I’d like to tell readers to never stop reading.  Reading is so important, especially as a Christian.  I believe our minds inform our hearts, so keeping our minds engaged with Christ-centered books (and of course the Bible) is so very important for our hearts.  So never stop reading.  I mean even God gave us a book to read, so I’m pretty sure he thinks it’s important, too! Ha!  And, yes, you can connect with me or find out more about my books at www.laurenreeves.com

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Celebrate Lit Tour: From the Garden into Eternity

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.




INTERVIEW:

Will you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Pearl, and I am a retired Registered Nurse. I’m originally from Ghana, West Africa. I’ve lived in Maryland over forty years. I have raised three children, have one son-in-law and four very loving grandchildren. I took up writing after I retired, and my first book was published in 2012, and have published one per year since then.

What is your latest book about?

My latest book: THE PROOF OF PATERNITY is the eighth I’ve published; it was released a couple of months ago. It is meant for people to know for sure whether they are God’s children, and if not, how they can become a child of God, and also have the assurance. Many, I think confuse being created by God with being His child. We have no control over being created, but we do have control over being His child. Being God’s child is by choice—we have to admit that we are sinners, seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the only name given among men, whereby we can be saved. The proof of being a child of God is exhibited by the change that accompanies it. That change is God’s nature that is imparted to us, just like a child will have the same DNA as its parents. The Bible says, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT). 

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? 

As a Christian, one of my favorite verses is Romans 8:28, and it says, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Let’s break it down—I love God, and I believe He is working in my life to make me more like His Son Jesus, and therefore whatever He allows in my life, painful or not, is for a good purpose. God allows things in my life for a reason based on His plan for my life. This verse therefore gives me comfort and the assurance that God is in control.

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie? 

Yes, I love Amazing Grace, and for the sake of those who don’t know it, here’re the lyrics: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I am found, I was blind, but now I see. I love this song/hymn because it describes what we are (I was) and what we could become (I’ve become) through Jesus Christ.

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web? 

You’re welcome! Yes, in addition, I’ll like to share that I post a devotional, weekly on my website, pearlkumi.com and on my Facebook author’s page beautifulfeetbypearl. Please visit as often as you can. Thank you for having me.

About the Book



Book: From the Garden into Eternity
Author: Pearl Nsiah-Kumi
Genre: Religious-Christian Evangelism
Release Date: June 25, 2018

From the Garden into Eternity tells of mankind’s fall from God’s grace beginning in the Garden of Eden, all the way through to one’s individual choice: Will eternity be spent in Heaven with God or Hell with Satan?

As a result of sin, mankind suffered a loss of close fellowship with God – but do not fret!  The relationship can be restored in this life right into the next!  God does not, however, force anyone into a relationship with Him.  We are free to choose Him or the alternative: Satan.

This book, fully-supported by Bible verses, helps you determine where you are in this journey called “life”.  Rest assured that God loves you and longs to give you eternal life in Heaven with Him, but you must first repent and place your faith in Jesus Christ.  If you have never taken that step, please don’t wait any longer.  The alternative eternity – which will be by default – will be dreadful.

Call on Jesus today!

Start the relationship that guarantees your eternity in Heaven with God!



Click here (aff link) to get your copy.  

About the Author



Pearl Nsiah-Kumi is a retired Registered Nurse; she grew up in Ghana, West Africa. She has lived in the USA for forty years and has three adult children, one son-in-law and four beautiful grandchildren. Pearl has authored two books in the past two years and loves to express her understanding of the Bible through writing articles and poems. Her goal is two-fold: To reach people with the truth of God’s word in inviting them to experience faith in Jesus Christ, and also to encourage Christians to mature in walking faithfully with their God through obedience to Him. In addition to writing, Pearl is also a Volunteer Counselor at a local Crisis Pregnancy Clinic.

More from Pearl

I wrote this book: FROM THE GARDEN INTO ETERNITY, because I felt the need to explain step-by-step how we, people created in the image of God lost our relationship with Him, and how that relationship could be restored. Along with the explanation, I also felt the need to stress the urgency of the restoration of that relationship. Why the urgency? It is urgent, because time is running out for all of us, and if one’s relationship isn’t restored in this life, eternity will be awful. Since no one knows how much time they have left in this life, we each need to respond to God’s love now, so we can have the assurance of a blissful eternity in heaven. Each person has to make a personal decision about their eternity.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, November 27 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, November 28
Just the Write Escape, November 29
My Devotional Thoughts, November 30 (Author Interview)
janicesbookreviews, December 1
Wishful Endings, December 3 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, December 4
All 4 and About Books, December 6 (Author Interview)
Christian Bookshelf Reviews, December 8 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pearl is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of her most recent book, The Proof of Paternity!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Celebrate Lit: The Melody of the Mulberries

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.




Author interview


1.Will you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in a small community in Ohio.  My parents were both West Virginia born, so I spent a great deal of time in the Appalachians.  When I met my husband, he was finishing college in Colorado, so, after getting married, I relocated to Cowboy Country.  Most of my career has been spent in various ministry positions.  I also taught school for a brief time in Colorado, which I loved.  Sometimes I still have dreams about teaching school, and, in those dreams, I am almost always laughing. Before moving to South Africa, nine years ago, my husband and I operated a retreat facility for missionaries.  Living in South Africa is amazing.  Each day is an adventure.  We mostly work in rural areas partnering with local pastors and facilitating feeding and educational programs.


2. What is your latest book about?


The Melody of the Mulberries is the second book in The Big Creek Series. The books are connected by the Ashby sibling’s lives in Appalachia, but they also stand alone. They are set in the West Virginia mountains in the late 1920s The Melody of the Mulberries centers around two siblings: Ernest and Coral Ashby. Ernest is a schoolteacher in a rural area. He has fallen in love with his brother’s widow. A previous love interest enters the picture. Ernest is challenged in his faith walk to make good choices and to stand firm in his beliefs. He is not sure whether what suits him best is God’s will for him. Coral is sixteen years old. She feels like God is directing her to visit the family nemesis who is currently stewing in prison in Charleston.  Charlie has committed several grievous crimes against family members so her desire to extend forgiveness to him causes her siblings grief and consternation.


3. Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? If so, what was the most interesting thing you learned?


Research is an important part of my writing. I want the historical facts to be correct, and I also want to incorporate intriguing information especially about nature. One of the most interesting things I learned is that male snakes have two penises.  I also learned that a mother bear will use flatulence to direct her cubs. It was amazing to learn about the rich ginger root farms and the once dense population of parrots in the area. Including these elements into my story makes it more amazing than what my imagination alone might have dreamed up. The Appalachian folk sayings placed at the beginning of each chapter come from research and from personally hearing some of them. I enjoyed placing these in juxtaposition against so many comforting hymn lyrics.


4. Where do you like to write?


I mostly like to write late in the evenings in bed.  I prop myself up with two or three pillows, sip on slightly sweetened Rooibos tea, and create characters and their stories to entertain myself.


5. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?


Okay, I don’t pre-plan my writing.  When I taught school, I stressed repeatedly to the students that a planning piece was essential to good writing, yet I create as I go. Thankfully, I can write quickly enough so as not to lose the names of characters and places, the season they’re in, and where they’re going. Another quirk may be that I mention nature, body parts, and functions in the course of spiritual decisions and humor as they may be appropriate to the story. And I may have another quirk, just one, if you’ll indulge me. It’s in writing the accents of West Virginia. I often use “was’ and “had” because it fits the cultural dialogue and just the way they think. My editors had a hay day trying to decide what was backstory jargon and what was needin’ to be included as Appalachian jargon. I guess, I’m also one of those who likes to reset the stage with a line of backstory from time to time.


6. What do you like to do when you're not writing?


I am passionate about reading.  I also like horseback riding.  My husband I take weekly riding lessons. I enjoy cooking, entertaining, and sharing ideas with other women. I speak at events during the year where I encourage and train women for living. My book, Soothing Rain, is a mentoring book for believers to use in this way with another woman or group of women.


7. Is there a place you'd like to visit, but haven’t yet?


I’d like to go to Madagascar and see the lemurs. 


8. Do you have a favorite Bible verse?


My favorite verses change all the time.  Currently I’m studying an unusual verse, “And seven women shall take hold of one man.” (Isaiah 4:1)  A number of rural pastors in South Africa believe that it’s okay for one man to have seven wives. The Bible is full of surprises, and I love the interplay of God’s Word with times of life and culture wherever I go.


9. Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?


My favorite song is It’s a Wonderful World.  I have two favorite movies: Simon Birch and Secondhand Lions.  I also like Slum Dog Millionaire.


10. What are some nonfiction books you found impactful?


I am constantly reading books on Christian leadership and biblical commentaries.  I am also very moved by books on the Viet Nam conflict.


11. What is your favorite holiday?


My favorite holiday is South African Women’s Day.  Women and young girls are often oppressed in the South African culture.  Women’s Day is the perfect time to teach women about God’s great love for them.


12. What is your favorite season and why is it your fav?


Fall in America.  The mid-west foliage is breathtaking.  Pumpkin patches bring out the child in me, and roadside stands selling the last of the season vegetables remind me of my mom harvesting her final garden crop of the season and tilling the soil under in preparation for spring.


13. Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?


There might be a third book in The Big Creek Series, featuring one of the older Ashby siblings.


14. Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?


I believe that the foundation of life is a spiritual one, and I have built my foundation on the Lord of the Bible.  On that foundation, big dreams and giant adventures should be launched and enjoyed. My web page is www.tonyajewelblessing.com.

About the Book


Book: The Melody of the Mulberries
Author: Tonya Jewel Blessing
Genre:  Historic Southern Romance
Release Date: September 16, 2019

This sequel is set in the late 1920s Appalachia, where granny witches and spiritualism often show the path for wanderers to take, especially in matters of the heart.
Coral sat in contemplation under a mulberry tree. It was spring, and the fragrant female blossoms promised the mid-summer arrival of first white, then pink, then crimson, and finally deep purple berries. The white berries were hard and tart and enjoyed by the quail, wild turkeys, mocking birds, and blue jays. The blackish purple berries were soft and sweet – perfect for pies and jams.
When the berries turned white, Coral would thank the good Lord for providing food for the birds, and when the berries ripened she would thank the good Lord for the sweetness savored in her mouth and curse the birds for wanting more than their share.

Where Emerald Ashby’s story leaves us in the last pages of The Whispering of the Willows, pure and innocent sixteen-year-old Coral Ashby’s story begins. Like the changing mulberries, Appalachian siblings Coral and Ernest Ashby, navigate their lives and loves through the Spanish Flu epidemic, poverty, and various as sundry prejudices. Coral is determined to visit the family nemesis, Charlie, who now stews in prison.When Ernest’s previous love interest, Mercy, returns to the holler of Big Creek, she discovers that Ernest has a new romantic attraction. He is singing a melody for Charlotte, the older Ashby brother’s widow. No matter, Mercy has brought along her own spiritual tools to circumvent the inconvenience and a special friend who guides her way.

Accompanied by friends and foes, matters of the heart complicate life for Coral and Ernest. Relationships must be journeyed carefully.



Click here to get your copy!

About the Author



More about Tonya Jewel Blessing: Growing up Tonya spent numerous vacations and holidays in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Most of her adult life has been spent in full time ministry with a focus on helping women. She has traveled nationally and internationally as a conference speaker. For a number of years, Tonya and her husband operated a retreat facility in Colorado for pastors and missionaries. She and her husband currently live in South Africa. They are the founders and directors of Strong Cross Ministries, a non-profit organization that assists local churches, pastors, cross-cultural workers, and others in Christian leadership in providing spiritual reconciliation and humanitarian relief to the poorest in the world. Tonya writes monthly devotionals for women in ministry. She is the award-winning novelist of The Whispering of the Willows, which is Book 1 of the Big Creek Series. She is the co-author of Soothing Rain, a discussion starter handbook/devotional that provides women with important tools for sharing biblical truth.

More from Tonya

Greetings From Author Tonya Jewel Blessing
The Melody of the Mulberries is book two in the Big Creek Series. Both books are set during the late 1920s in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia. The Appalachian Mountains were untamed in the 1920s and remain so in part today. The wonder of the hills is breathtaking, magnificent, and glorious. The term “wild wonderful West Virginia” was used as early as 1969 before being adapted in the 1970s as the state slogan. In 1937, my mother, Virginia Ashby, was born in the rural hills of West Virginia. She spent several of her formative years in an area known as Big Creek. I have borrowed my mother’s maiden name, several names from her past, and the name Big Creek. The morning mist hanging in the lowlands, the dew on the ground, along with the green of spring and the deep red, sparkling gold, and brilliant oranges of fall draw me visually, emotionally, and on some level spiritually to its feral fascination. John Denver recorded in his tribute to West Virginia, “Take me home country roads to the place I belong…” Certainly, there are seasons in my life where I long for the steep, curvy country roads of my youth. This is one deeply satisfying reason for writing about hope with connections to West Virginia, a life held close to my heart. It is a pleasure and an honor to share this story with the Celebrate Lit family. My southern story is an authentically derived historical romance for young adults and for women of all ages who love Appalachian lore and West Virginia history. It contains some depictions of spiritualism and traditional Christianity during the 1920s in West Virginia. It continues with the inter-racial dealings between two communities, where, some are friends and some are foes. If anyone would enjoy a free sample of the first audiobook, The Whispering of the Willows, please go to the link and click “play sample”.  This amazing voice actress, Courtney Patterson, will start reading you my story so that you will feel like you are eavesdropping on the Ashby family. Enjoy! Enjoy an excerpt from Tonya’s first book in the series, The Whispering of the Willows, here.

Blog Stops

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Tonya is giving away the grand prize package of a special pillow and reader’s choice of an eBook or Audiobook of The Whispering of the Willows!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Celebrate Lit Tour: Wonderful Yah: The Unveiling - Author Interview



Author Interview:




Will you tell us a little about yourself?

I am 60 years old, and I was born in Flint, Michigan. My father worked for General Motors, and my mother stayed home and took care of the children. I have five sisters and two brothers. I attended parochial school from grades 1-12. After graduating from Powers Catholic High School, I joined the United States Air Force, I was fascinated with aviation and airplanes. However, while serving in the military, I was injured; after five years in the Air Force, I was honorably discharged with a service-connected disability. While serving in the U.S. Military, I recommitted my life to Jesus Christ and was baptized as an adult.

One year after leaving the Air Force, I applied and was accepted at Oral Roberts University. It took me seven years to complete my undergraduate degree (1983-1988); I had to work five of the seven years to support myself. During the last two years, the Veterans Administration helped me with some financial assistance, so I didn't have to work while going to school. I did well with my grades when the Veterans Administration was helping me, so they also helped me with financial assistance for my graduate education. After graduating with honors (magna cum laude) from Oral Robert's University in 1988 with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, I applied and was accepted at the University of Michigan's Advanced Standing Program where I completed my Master's Degree in clinical social work in one year. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1990, I worked in Michigan for 25 years helping the poor, homeless, and mentally ill.

What is your latest book about?

I explain and solve two of the greatest mysteries in the Bible: the mystery of the Godhead and the mystery of God's will. For the past two thousand years, Christians have struggled to understand who Jesus is and the mystery of the Godhead; that is, who the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are. In my book, I take the knowledge from both the Old and New Testaments about God and break this knowledge down into one sentence that explains who Jesus is and solves the mystery of the Godhead. I also explain the mystery of God's will, our will, and how they collaborate. Solving these two mysteries has never been done before in such a concise and self-evident way. Although there are parts of the book that are technical, which is needful to explain these two complex mysteries, there are plenty of non-technical parts that also explain God's love for us, what is our value to God, why did God put us on planet earth, and what is the most important thing we should be learning.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? If so, what was the most interesting thing you learned?

The research acquired for this book is the accumulation of things I have learned about Jesus Christ over the past four decades of my life. I have taken the knowledge I have gained over these four decades and used that knowledge to solve some of the greatest mysteries in the Bible. The most interesting thing I learned is that it is so much more enjoyable writing from what is in your heart. For me, writing from the heart is so much more important and enjoyable than trying to write from your head.

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

This may sound bias, but my favorite song might be a song I wrote. I am not a musician, but I wrote a song to support my latest book. I acquired the help of a musician, who has a Ph.D. in music composition, help me score the music professionally. I have not had the music recorded yet, but maybe someday someone will want to sing and record the song professionally. The name of the song is Wonderful YaH; the name of my latest book is Wonderful YaH: The Unveiling.

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

Yes, I am currently working on developing a few social media platforms where people can learn a little more about me and interact with me. Currently, my business Facebook page is probably the best way to contact and interact with me at this time.

My face book page: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew-Marx-Author-109464223766363/

Redemption Press online author page: https://redemption-press.com/featured-authors/




About the Book

Book: Wonderful Yah: The Unveiling
Author: Matthew Marx
Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian, Theology
Release Date: July 22, 2019

What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you know?

This intriguing question from the book of Proverbs seems to echo the question in so many of our hearts: Who is God really? Over the past two millennia, people have tried to understand the mystery of the divinity of God using logic and thinking, but it fails every time. The Godhead does not operate or function as people do, and God is not subject to human reasoning. Yet understanding the mystery of the Godhead is both simple and profound when we know how to use the key Jesus gave us.

This book begins by accepting the challenge of some of the most thought-provoking Scriptures in the entire Bible—Proverbs 30:2–4. Throughout the book’s exploration of the divinity of God, a power hidden within God’s Hebrew name is discovered and then unleashed to answer the question, What is His name, and what is the name of His Son? The mystery of the Godhead is then subdued as God’s Hebrew name erupts as the correct foundation on which to discuss the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Scriptural doors that once seemed impenetrable now open easily with a turn of a key, helping you to connect with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in a deeper, more focused way.


Click here to get your copy.   (aff link)

About the Author


After spending twenty-five years working with the severe and persistently mentally ill, Matthew William Marx felt a burden to pray for those struggling to understand Jesus. His prayers led him to a deeper understanding of God, which he is now sharing with his readers. Matthew is a graduate of Oral Roberts University and holds a master’s degree in social work. He is licensed with the state of Michigan, where he lives with his wife, Suzanne. 

More from Matthew

Wow! Who would have known? Normally, non-fiction books like Wonderful YaH: The Unveiling primarily focus on: what is the problem and how to fix it. However, wouldn’t it be intriguing if a non-fiction book incorporated some elements of a fiction book such as mystery, suspense, and drama, with the reader bring the drama as they deal with their internal dialogue on how to answer a proposed question to help solve the mystery. Be aware, however, that this type of adventure and journey is not for the timid or light of heart. Taking fiction elements such as mystery, suspense, and drama and placing them in a non-fiction book could produce a real-world reality shift that is different from what the reader has known or experienced—Wonderful YaH: The Unveiling is one such book. Come and join me on a non-fiction journey and adventure that incorporates some elements of fiction that explore, explain, and solve two of the greatest mysteries of the Bible. The two great mysteries to which I refer are (1) the divinity of Jesus Christ in the Godhead, and (2) how our lives and the choices we make fit into God’s will and divine providence. Many smart and wise people, over the past two thousand years, have tried to explain and solve these two mysteries but have fallen short typically. Wonderful YaH: The Unveiling fills the gaps left by previous attempts to solve these two great mysteries by discovering the hidden power in God’s Hebrew name, then harnessing that power to solve the mysteries. You might ask, “What is the point of being able to solve these two great mysteries, and what does it have to do with me”? The point is to know the One who created everything and to figure out how our lives fit into His grand scheme of everything. More simply stated, what is our purpose for being on planet earth? Surely, there is more to life than just being born, living for a few decades if you are fortunate, then dying. Isn’t it worth asking: Is our life more than just a blade of grass that is here today then gone tomorrow? If there were an answer to this mystery, wouldn’t it be nice to find the answer to this mystery before we die? People often read fiction for the adventure of mystery and suspense. Why not read a non-fiction book that offers mystery and suspense but with real-life consequences?

Blog Stops

Christian Bookshelf Reviews , October 30 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, October 31
Through the Fire Blogs, November 2 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, November 3 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, November 5 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, November 6
janicesbookreviews, November 7
My Devotional Thoughts, November 8 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, November 9


Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Matthew is giving away the grand prize package of the choice of paperback book or eBook, a $75 Amazon gift card, and a $25 Starbucks gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
Some of the links in my blog posts, tweets, social media posts, etc. contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
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