'Love in Harmony: Lydia's Story (Harmony Sisters #1)' by Cassie Belden

Blurb:

When disaster strikes the small town of Harmony, Minnesota, it leaves behind tragedy, broken hearts, and dreams not yet fulfilled. As the eldest, Lydia is left to care for her younger sisters and maintain the family business. In a courtship for almost a year, Lydia’s future had already been decided. With a fall wedding planned, everything was seemingly perfect before tragedy struck. But now her future seems unclear. Sweet and inspirational, this Amish romance is a journey of Lydia's struggles with loss, grief, healing, and love.

Available on Amazon

Find more Amish stories by Cassie Belden here.

Biography

Cassie Belden lives near the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Minnesota with her husband and beloved pets. Though raised in the city, she now lives in the country where she feels more connected to God's creation and the natural beauty of the land in every season.

As a Christian, she respects the Amish people's commitment to their faith and community and admires their ability to be self-sustaining. After visiting the town of Harmony and its surrounding areas in southern Minnesota, Cassie was inspired to write about these humble and tenacious people, and she was able to incorporate some true stories into her books.

Harmony, Minnesota is the largest Amish settlement in the state, and what a perfect name for a town filled with people who demonstrate what it means to live in harmony with others.

Connect with Cassie at www.facebook.com/AmishChristianReads.

Tracy Reed, author of 'Generational Curse,' on her writing process

Thank you so much to author Tracy Reed for stopping by the blog today. Many readers and writers love to hear about authors' writing processes. Here, Tracy shares what she does.

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What’s my writing process? It would be nice to say, I do endless research and plot out every little detail. That I have a set time of day to write and the environment has to be just right…temperature at a cool 70 degrees, coffee in my favorite cup, a scented candle burning and dressed a certain way. I do use music to help with the love scenes or very emotional.

I’m sure there’s a writer out there like the one I described, but it ain’t me. I know that’s not good English.

I am what’s known as a “Panster.” In case you don’t know what that is, it’s a writer that just goes with the flow. The only things I note about a story are the beginning and the end. How they get there, for me is part of the writing process. It’s like reading a book, if that makes sense. I tried to plot once, but I never referred to it. When I did find the file, the story had completely changed.

When I sat down to write GENERATIONAL CURSE, it started with an idea. A loose woman attracted to a chaste man, who only wants friendship. At first, I didn’t think it would work. Then I jumped ahead to the end of the story and knew it would.

I started writing the story with the ending in mind. In order for Kyla to be attracted to Sean, I knew he had to be an incredibly good looking man. And for him to be tempted, she had to be very beautiful. In my mind, he was always tempted by her, but he never gave into the urge. In an early draft, I had them kiss very early in the story which led to confusion for both of them, but the follow up didn’t make sense. So I delayed the kiss. Without giving too much away, once they did, it opened the door for a lot of speculation, anticipation and temptation.

The only real to planning I do is with my Pinterest boards. I am a huge fan of Pinterest. I use it to research my characters. If I’m trying to describe a character and get stuck, I visit Pinterest. I have a board devoted to good-looking men. As well as on for curvy women. [Most of my female characters are petite and packed with lots of curves and most of the men are very tall and well-built.]

I’m working on a book for Summer release and one of my character descriptions was off. I headed over to Pinterest and did a little pinning and found the perfect man. I stared at him [my job is so hard…staring at hot men] until I could put his looks into words. For me, it’s the best way to do character development.

Once I’ve completed the book, I let it sit a few days and then start editing. I give myself about two weeks. Then I make the changes and start the revision process. I try not to let this step drag out. Then I send a clean copy to my editor. When I get it back, I deal with her edits and then it’s on to print formatting.

Print formatting takes a little while, because this is where I’m designing the book’s personality. [cover, font, chapter headings, etc.]. While I’m writing I look for possible cover images. This can be a tedious process searching for the perfect image. I’ve learned not to jump the gun, here. I bought the image for my Summer release a while back and now it doesn’t work with the revised story. So I had to shelve that one and start over. Now I have a cover I love.

Once I have both files, I load them, get a proof and do another edit. On this edit, I’m looking for anything I missed and make sure the story reads well. If I’m happy with it, I give it to my content readers. That’s how I refer to my advance readers. I have three ladies that read for me. At this point I’m looking for any typos, grammar errors and story flow.

These ladies aren’t writers, but readers. They represent my audience. I take their comments and make any necessary corrections and changes and then it’s on to a final print proof. I’ll read the book again and if everything is good, it’s on to the ebook formatter.

While the book is with the eformatter, I’m setting up marketing and starting the process again with the next book.

Generational Curse

by Tracy Reed 

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BLURB:

What happens when a celibate Christian man befriends a woman involved with a married man? Sean knows he should run in the other direction, but Kyla tempts him to abandon his Christian beliefs for a taste of the forbidden. But if he continues the relationship, can he convince that being with a married man isn't the fantasy life the generations of women in her family made it appear to be?

Sean Prescott and Kyla James are business associates playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse hoping the other will give in. But in this high stakes relationship game, is there really a winner or will both be losers?

Read an excerpt:

“What do I do about Sean?”

“What about him?” Mike asked.

“I think I’ve fallen in love with him.”

“Okay, I know this is a female thing.” He started to leave.

“Honey, sit down.” DeeDee patted his leg.

“You know I’m no good with the dating stuff,” he pleaded with DeeDee.

“I know, but you’re his friend.”

He took a deep breath. “He’s a great guy, but you already know that. And you probably know how much Francesca hurt him. Has he given you any reason to think he may feel the same?”

“Kyla, forgive my husband. Honey, you’re right, I’ll handle this. Go check on Michelle.”

“Thank you.” He stood up, “Kyla, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thank you Mike or is it Pastor?”

“It’s still Mike. We’re friends, remember.” He smiled and walked down the hall.

“Okay, tell me everything,” DeeDee urged.

“I can’t get him out of my head. He told me he was going on a blind date and I got upset. And after I told him I broke up with my boyfriend and how hurt I was, he came over with ice cream. Well, gelato. It’s one of the things we like to do, eat gelato. We meet twice a week for coffee and lunch, and occasionally we go to dinner or brunch. And when I’m not feeling well, he comes over with groceries and rubs my feet and takes care of me and Winnie. Then he drove me to my parents and stayed with us the weekend. He said I needed to be around my family. He and my mother have become friends.” She chuckled. “I think they’ve been conspiring to get me to change.”

“I think it’s pretty safe to say, he feels the same way.”

Buy links

Author Website / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iTunes / All Romance / Smashwords

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I’m a single Christian Woman who loves God, Fashion and Cute Guys. I live in California, but consider myself a partial New Yorker because of the two and half years I lived there. I own www.thepinkduchess.com, a lingerie site for curvy women. GENERATIONAL CURSE is my debut novel.

WEB CONTACTS

Website: www.readtracyreed.com

Blog: readtracyreed.wordpress.com

Facebook: facebook.com/readtracyreed

Tumblr: writertracy.tumblr.com

Pinterest: pinterest.com/readtracyreed

Twitter: twitter.com/readtracyreed

Goodreads: goodreads.com

Tracy will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn host. Follow along for more chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

'Grace Alive' by Natasha House

Blurb:

Meet Zoe Reed

She is 26, unmarried, and still living with her parents. Working at a lame craft store, she feels like her life has become one giant disappointment. 

Waiting for Mr. Right, yet having never been on a date, let alone kissed a man, she wonders if he will ever come.

Then she meets Branson Tate.

The handsome man and his three kids stumble into her life, and she finds him to be polar opposite of what her parents have always wanted for her. 

But when Zoe’s dad, the pastor of the largest church in Michigan, says God spoke to him who her husband is, she’s faced with a choice. 

Is her father hearing God or is she?

Available on Amazon

Check out more titles in this series and from this author here!

About the author:

Natasha House was born in Michigan, grew up in a town the size of a peanut, and moved to an only slightly bigger town when she was ten-years-old. After writing a book for school at the age of 12, Natasha won an award and was sent to Young Authors. 

Soon, she was discovering that writing stories and make believing was crazy fun and it became her hobby.

'The "I Am" Creation Story' by Anon I Mus

Blurb:

The age old questions…

Who am I? Where did I come from? How did I get here?

If you have ever asked yourself any of these big life-changing questions then this book will be of interest to you.

The ‘I AM’ Creation Story is for spiritual seekers of all ages; those who want to expand their understanding of the truth of life which we are all living.

It may offer some help in raising your awareness of your ‘purpose’ on this Earth.

This book offers a simplistic, mystical, and a profoundly deep introspection concerning why we are here and who we truly are. It offers you the ability to see beyond the physical reality, into a realm of higher awareness; sent to you, by the greater, non-physical you.

Buy links

Smashwords / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Free Ebook Downloads

About the author:

Anon I mus has intentionally remained a nameless and faceless person in the public eye. The objective is to stay anonymous (unknown), hence the nameless name, ‘Anon-I-mus’ was created. Anon I mus’ apparent name, physical form and personal story are all equally unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

'Sedona Sunset' by Tanya Stowe

Sedona Sunset

by Tanya Stowe 

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BLURB:

After an auto accident leaves her crippled and takes her mother’s life, Lara Fallon completes her mother’s dream of opening a school and offering scholarships to promising young artists. Although Lara is struggling with survivor’s guilt, she is thrilled that Alexander Summers, world-renown Flamenco player and professor of art, will perform at the grand opening of The Fallon School of Art. But Alex has a secret. He investigates art theft for UNESCO, and when pieces of Chaco pottery suddenly appear on the black market, Alex is certain The Fallon School of Art is a cover for this illegal operation. He’s determined to uncover the link...even if it means romantically pursuing the lovely Lara Fallon. Alex’s investigation leads him on collision course with Lara’s inner struggle to cope with her mother’s death and her own wavering faith in God. Now, Lara’s school and her heart are in danger. But is her life as well?

Read an excerpt:

Millie shrugged. “I get feelings, know things I shouldn’t know.”

“You mean you’re psychic?” Lara asked.

”No. Jesus is a close personal friend, and I talk to Him a lot.”

The sincerity in the woman’s tone stopped Lara from laughing. “Lots of people say the words, but I believe He really is your friend.”

 Buy links

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Pelican Book Group

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Tanya Stowe is an author of Christian Fiction with an unexpected edge. She fills her stories with the unusual…gifts of the spirit and miracles, mysteries and exotic travel, even an angel or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a journey to the Old West or to contemporary adventures in foreign lands…be prepared for the extraordinary.

Website: www.tanyastowe.com

Twitter: @TanyaStowe1

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TanyaStoweReadersPage?ref=hl

Tanya will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn host. Follow along for more chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

'Bible Quotations: Quick Reference Bible Verses for Immediate Help, Answers, & Guidance for Stressful Situation & Everyday Life'

Bible Quotations: Quick Reference Bible Verses for Immediate Help, Answers and Guidance for Stressful Situations
and Everyday Life

For a limited time, get this great book for just $2.99. Regularly priced at $4.99. Read it on your PC, Mac, smart phone, tablet or Kindle device.

Let this book be a convenient and valuable resource that will enable you to quickly locate helpful Bible quotations whenever you need guidance from God’s Word. Click on a word in the Table of Contents and it will take you directly to many of the verses that are applicable to that subject. In addition, the special “Reference” section at the end has many interesting facts from the Bible.

Here are some of the topics you’ll find in the Reference section:

• Books of the Bible (Old and New Testament)
• Books of the Bible: The Seven Groups
• History of the Apostles
• Isaiah’s Messianic Prophesies
• John’s Portraits of Christ
• Paul’s Portraits of Christ
• Peter’s Portraits of Christ
• The Apocalyptic Portraits of Christ
• Post-Resurrection Appearances of Jesus
• Prophecies and Their Fulfillment
• And much, much more!

And lastly, use this Bible handbook wherever you are for inspiration, for stress relief, or for finding out what God’s Word has to say about a particular subject.

Our hope is that this compilation will richly bless you.

Download your copy today for a limited time discount of only $2.99! 

'The Illuminator: Access to Universal Intelligence' by Rajith Rajappan

Are you following your inner voice and living the life you want?

Learn how to attain happiness, be successful, and enjoy life.

Listening to your inner voice and trusting your intuition are skills that you can master. By spending only a few minutes a day, you can expand the capacity of your brain, enabling you to concentrate and focus on difficult tasks effortlessly.

Here are some of the questions you’ll find answered in The Illuminator: Access to Universal Intelligence:

• What is intuition is and how can I attain it?
• What are the three essential things necessary to enjoy life?
• Can I avoid life-threatening diseases by changing the way I think?
• How can I complete difficult tasks without letting negative feelings influence their outcome?

Take charge of your destiny with a calm and relaxed mind.

We are faced with tension and stress every day, but it doesn’t have to affect our lives. Learn how to develop an attitude that will lead you to greater success and happiness. Download The Illuminator: Access to Universal Intelligence now and start your journey to a better life.

Available on Amazon

Biography

Rajith Rajappan is an award winning author in the nonfiction genre. Dealing with uncertainties and how to work with your instincts to play around with uncertainties triggered him to write his first book- The Illuminator-Access to Universal Intelligence.

If there's one thing we've all heard from countless self-help experts, it's the power of staying positive. Famed gurus from Zig Ziglar to the creators of the The Secret have instructed us to think positive thoughts, visualize success, and stay both calm and humble. But is an ultra-positive outlook really the true key to happiness ?

Amazon Kindle Best Selling Author- Rajith Rajappan- reveals why suppressing your negative thoughts and feelings could actually be holding you back. A lifelong student of self-improvement, his first book-The Illuminator- Access to Universal Intelligence is an introduction to developing your intuition. The Kindle version- re-released in 2014-15 shot to the #1 Amazon Best Sellers list ( #1 Best Seller in Epistemology; #1 Best Seller in Philosophy Reference).

Born and Brought up in Mumbai, the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra, he enjoys reading inspirational materials, traveling and writing . The paperback edition released in 2012 won Readers Favorite Honorary Award and was also Finalist - National Indie Excellent Book Award for Self Help :Motivation category.

Award Details :

a) Award Winner - 2012 Readers Favorite Honorary Award Contest
The Illuminator- Access to Universal Intelligence bagged the 2012 Readers Favorite Honorable Award. For more details : http://readersfavorite.com/2012-award-contest-winners.htm

b) Finalist - 2012 National Indie Excellence Book Award for Self Help: Motivation!
The Sixth Annual National Indie Excellence Awards recognized The Illuminator - Access to Universal Intelligence by Rajith Rajappan in the Self Help: Motivation category as a finalist.

He is reachable at rajith.rajappan@gmail.com