Isfits from @JustinBlaney | A completely new genre of fiction

Hello! I'm partnering with Justin Blaney to help him spread the word about his fun new book series, Isfits.

He's launching the series with a Kickstarter campaign---he wants to turn these fun/unique stories into full-color, hardback, glossy-paged books.

Who's Justin? Justin Blaney is a virtuoso. He does a little of everything, but one of the coolest things he does (besides writing amazing stories) is run an organization called Innovate for Jesus (resources for pastors, ministry leaders, non profits, authors, etc.). The site features people like Francis Chan, Rick Warren, Pete Wilson, Matt Chandler, Mary DeMuth, and more.

Besides the super cool graphics, what is special about Isfits? Justin is releasing his Isfits series in the general kids book market rather than as Christian releases. His hope is to spread the gospel message to children who aren't normally exposed to Christian content.

What Is Isfits?

• Postmodern fairytales & cautionary confessions
• A cast of characters sampled from icons of adolescence, re-imagined.
• A completely new genre of fiction. Since that's hard to describe, let's call it a graphic novel like you've never seen before.
• Nearly 200 original designs, optimized for inspirational display in your home, office, prison cell, igloo, or hut.

Click here for more information. If you'd like to sign up to review the first book in the series, Cinderella Goes to the Potty (It's a five-minute read! You'll love it!), email info {at} litfusegroup {dot} com (and be entered to win $100 Amazon.com gift card!).  And if you'd like to learn more and support Justin's Kickstarter, GO HERE.

   

Book Info

An Isfits book. Isfits . . . postmodern fairy tales and cautionary confessions. Cinderella scratched a new line on the wall every night when the clock struck twelve. For 999 nights, she'd sworn to herself that she wouldn't stay long enough to see 1000. Cinderella heard the old man and the old woman clunking up the stairs. The clock began to chime. Cinderella was out of time. She had a decision to make---the kind of decision that could change her life or take it from her. What Is Isfits? A cast of characters sampled from icons of adolescence, re-imagined. A graphic novel, like you've never seen before. This eBook is 1/6th the full length graphic novel. Read it in about 5 minutes. Enjoy for years. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qx7Hp Join the Isfits' launch team: http://ow.ly/qx7I7 Support the Kickstart (Do good and get COOL stuff!): http://ow.ly/qx7Ju About the author: Justin Blaney is the author of the Amazon bestseller Evan Burl and the Falling which reached the #1 position in fantasy, teen and thriller categories. His latest project is "Isfits," a series of graphically illustrated postmodern fairytales and cautionary confessions for young adults. The stories follow the adventures of a cast of characters based on icons of adolescence placed in a darkly-humored world of blissful brokenness where they possess the power to affect cultural and personal change in the real world. Blaney is the founder of Innovate for Jesus (www.I4J.org) and Inkliss, a film production company. He lives outside Seattle with his wife and three daughters. Learn more about Justin at: www.JustinBlaney.com   My Review -   I was so curious when I received the invite for this blog tour and was not really sure what to expect with this, but I was not disappointed!  Justin has started an incredible new series and type of story that will be sure to be a hit with many for many years!  I loved Cinderella growing up and this is such a cute little twist with this character and story!  Each and every page and scene is so unique with the pictures, the layouts, and styles; each page is a treat and one that you will want to completely study before moving on to the next.  This is suited for older children as it is not for young children at all as some pages are eerie and may be frightening. This is a fascinating new genre that I'm sure we will see much more of!    *Thanks to LItfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour!*

Stones for Bread KitchenAid Mixer Giveaway from Christa Parrish! Pin It & Win It!

Enter Today | 11/18 - 12/7!
Christa Parrish is celebrating her fourth novel, Stones for Bread, with a KitchenAid Mixer giveaway.

Easy steps to enter:

1. Follow Christa Parrish and TNZ Fiction on Pinterest.

2. Then Pin the Stones for Bread book cover (below), the contest graphic (above), or both, and link to this post (using this URL: #StonesforBread KitchenAid Mixer Contest #ChristaParrish http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/stones-for-bread-by-christa-parrish).

3. Then fill out THIS SHORT FORM to let us know. (There are also some additional ways to earn extra entries, as well as an option for non-Pinterest users. It's true—people like that do exist!)

Questions? Email info @ litfusegroup dot com.

Winner will be announced on 12/9 on Christa's Facebook Page.

Book Info

About the book: A solitary artisan. A legacy of bread-baking. And one secret that could collapse her entire identity. Liesl McNamara's life can be described in one word: bread. From her earliest memory, her mother and grandmother passed down the mystery of baking and the importance of this deceptively simple food. And now, as the owner of Wild Rise bake house, Liesl spends every day up to her elbows in dough, nourishing and perfecting her craft. But the simple life she has cultivated is becoming quite complicated. Her head baker brings his troubled grandson into the bakeshop as an apprentice. Her waitress submits her recipes to a popular cable cooking show. And the man who delivers her flour --- a single father with strange culinary  habits --- seems determined to win Liesl's affection. When Wild Rise is featured on television, her quiet existence appears a thing of the past. And then a phone call from a woman claiming to be her half-sister forces Liesl to confront long-hidden secrets in her family's past. With her precious heritage crumbling around her, the baker must make a choice: allow herself to be buried in detachment and remorse, or take a leap of faith into a new life. Purchase your copy: http://ow.ly/qPvoG  Meet the author: Christa Parrish is the award-winning author of three novels, including the 2009 ECPA Fiction Book of the Year Watch Over Me. When she's not writing, she's a homeschool mother of three wonderful children. Married to author and pastor Chris Coppernoll, Christa serves with him as co-leader of their church's youth ministry as well as serving as a facilitator for a divorce recovery ministry. She is now also slightly obsessed with the art of baking bread. Learn more about Christa at: http://christaparrish.com My Review: "Stones for Bread" is an interesting read that drew me into the world of baking bread, family secrets and the sense of community.  Liesl has people in her life that cause family secrets to unravel and they force Liesl to take a hard look are herself.  There are so many people hurting in the world and a lot of the hurting is unseen to others and the sense of community that comes alive in this book is inspiring.  This is a read that should be read slowly and savored as it is thought-provoking and one that will give you a new perspective on your life and situation.  *Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book.* To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here.

Book Review: "Christmas at Harmony Hill"

Ann H. Gabhart's Christmas novel, "Christmas at Harmony Hill: A Shaker Story," is a read that takes you back in time to the mid 1800's with a story of hope and forgiveness.

Heather Worth is in the midst of the Civil War alongside her Yankee husband; however she is pregnant and near to the time for the baby's birth, so her husband sends her home.  However, Heather is turned away from her home.  Heather is directed to go to the Shaker community to be with her aunt and this appears to be just what Heather needs at this time, as well as some others.

I really enjoyed this book!  It is a quick read and one that will have you hooked on the story right from the very beginning!  I love reading stories from this time period and this one being a story focusing on the Shaker community as well is an added bonus as there are so many historical details and facts about this community.  This is a book that will enjoyed each Christmas!


 “Available November 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review: "A Simple Christmas Wish"

I have been looking forward to this year's Christmas novella release from Melody Carlson!  "A Simple Christmas Wish" is another wonderful Christmas novella from Melody and a perfect story to get you into the Christmas spirit!
Rachel's only family is her brother, sister-in-law and niece and when a tragedy occurs, Rachel and her niece are left alone together.  However, Rachel's world is turned upside down once again when she is given the news that in her brother's will, Holly is to be sent to live with an aunt whom neither have met or heard of.  Rachel finds out that her sister-in-law Miri grew up Amish and has been estranged from her family.  However, now Miri's sister is granted custody of Holly; Holly that only family whom Rachel has left.  As Rachel and Holly travel to the Amish settlement, Holly has her mind set to convince the Amish relatives that Holly belongs with her.  After arriving and spending time with Holly's other relatives both girls are in for surprises this Christmas.

I really enjoyed "A Simple Christmas Wish!"  This is a quick read and I was drawn into the story right away.  The story begins with Holly and Rachel getting a Christmas tree and decorating it while Holly's parents are on vacation and this is one of the things that leads Rachel to thinking about her life and Holly's life and priorities in life.  Never imaging that she would receive the phone call that comes later that night, Rachel's life is forever changed.  This is such a sweet Christmas story and one that will leave you smiling and reminded of how precious life is and the everyday moments that we may at times take for granted.

“Available November 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Favorite Austen Moments KINDLE HDX Giveaway, Pinterest Contest and Facebook Party! And Book Review - "Dear Mr. Knightley"

Enter Today | 11/14 - 12/3!
Debut author Katherine Reay is celebrating the release of her delightful novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway, a fun Favorite Austen Moments Pinterest contest, and an Austen-themed Facebook Party.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
• Handmade Austen-themed items (scarf, mug, bracelet, and necklace) 

Two ways to win! Enter today by clicking one of the icons below or participating in the Pinterest contest (see banner below)—or BOTH! 

But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Dear Mr. Knightley" Austen-themed Facebook Author Chat Party on the 3rd. Join Katherine (and Austen fans) for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Katherine's next book.

So grab your copy of  Dear Mr. Knightley and join Katherine on the evening of December 3rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST. Hope to see you on the 3rd!

 

Book Info

About the book: Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others-namely her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story-by giving that story to a complete stranger. Growing up orphaned and alone, Sam found her best friends in the works of Austen, Dickens, and the Brontë sisters. The problem is that she now relates to others more comfortably as Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Eyre than as herself. Sometimes we lose ourselves in the things we care about most. But life for this twenty-three-year-old is about to get stranger than fiction, when an anonymous benefactor (calling himself "Mr. Knightley") offers to put Sam through the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress. As Sam's program and peers force her to confront her past, she finds safety in her increasingly personal letters to Mr. Knightley. And when Sam meets eligible, best-selling novelist Alex Powell, those letters unfold a story of love and literature that feels as if it's pulled from her favorite books. But when secrets come to light, Sam is --- once again --- made painfully aware of how easily trust can be broken. Reay's debut novel follows one young woman's journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qDEkp Meet the author: Katherine Reay has enjoyed a life-long affair with the works of Jane Austen and her contemporaries. After earning degrees in history and marketing from Northwestern University, she worked as a marketer for Proctor & Gamble and Sears before returning to school to earn her MTS. Her works have been published in "Focus on the Family" and the "Upper Room." Katherine currently lives with her husband and three children in Seattle. "Dear Mr. Knightley" is her first novel. Learn more about Katherine at: http://katherinereay.com/

My /Review:

I loved Katherine Reay's debut novel, "Dear Mr. Knightley," and it is one that fans of classical works will not want to miss out on! Samantha "Sam" has had a difficult life, and has always escaped in the works of her favorite authors.  Sam is given the chance to attend Journalism school, but she must write letters to her benefactor.  As Sam begins this new chapter in her life, she moves out of her comfort zone of living in the lives of her favorite characters and revisits her own past.

I really enjoyed "Dear Mr. Knightley!"  It was a unique and fresh approach as this book is filled with letters, letters written by Sam that allow the reader insight into her thoughts and life. This is such a well-written book and such a powerful story of a woman's growth and journey.  This is a must read for fans of Jane Austen!

 

To read other reviews of this book included on this blog tour, go here!

 

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for the complimentary copy of this book and for including me on this blog tour!*

Quilts of Love KINDLE FIRE HDX Giveaway & “Christmas Bee” Facebook Party 12/10!

Enter Today | 11/15 - 11/30!

In honor of their new Quilts of Love releases, The Christmas Quilt and Aloha Rose, authors Vannetta Chapman and Lisa Carter are gearing up to ring in the Christmas season with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a "Christmas Bee" Facebook Party on December 10th with fellow Quilts of Love author Lynette Sowell!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman
• Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 30th. Winner will be announced at the "Christmas Bee" Facebook Party on December 10th. Connect with the authors from the Quilts of Love series, Vannetta Chapman, Lisa Carter, and Lynette Sowell, for an evening of book chat, quilt trivia, Christmas traditions and gifts, PLUS get an exclusive look at January's Quilts of Love book!

So grab your copies of The Christmas Quilt and Aloha Rose and join Vannetta, Lisa, and Lynette on the evening of December 10th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on December 10th!

 

Book Info

About the book: When Laney Carrigan's adoptive parents encourage her as an adult to seek out her birth family, her only clue is the Lokelani quilt in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island, she battles fears of rejection from a family that abandoned her once before while her faith struggles to embrace God's love. Along the path to her true heritage, she meets Hawaiian cowboy/helicopter pilot, Kai Barnes. Kai is determined to protect the people he's come to regard as family against a woman he suspects of being nothing more than a gold-digger, but he finds himself drawn to Laney in spite of his reservations. He's spent his entire life seeking forgiveness from past mistakes and longs for a second chance at happiness.  Laney's painstaking journey to find restoration and a place to belong among the breathtaking allure of the Big Island will lead her closer to her past and maybe even something more. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qKmVW Meet the author: Lisa Carter has been published in MomSense and Christian Parenting Today. Lisa is currently teaching music at a preschool and enjoying the enthusiasm and joy for life for which preschoolers are famous. She and David have two beautiful daughters. Find out more at: http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com         My Review: Lisa Carter's novel, "Aloha Rose," is part of the Quilts of Love series and this book is one of my favorites that I have read so far in the series! Laney thought that she had found her forever family; however she upholds her promise to her adoptive mother that she will seek her biological family.  With the help of her adoptive father posting a picture of the quilt that Laney was wrapped in when she was found, Laney sets off for Hawaii to meet her family.  Laney is greeted by Kai, whom was taken in as a foster child by Laney's aunt and he is set to protect his family and is no sure of Laney and her motives.  Kai and Laney both have issues to deal with from their past that they must confront and work through for themselves, but as they spend time together they realize that they are alike in many ways and that their hearts are realizing this too as they are being drawn together.  This book has such a beautiful setting that is described with vivid detail, and filled with characters whom are hurting and searching for answers and closure and most importantly love and a family. "Aloha Rose" is a well-written, sweet story that is easy to get into and one that will be loved!   To read other reviews of this book, go here!     Book Info About the book: Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie's sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qKnYD Meet the author: Vannetta Chapman has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. Find out more at: http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com     My Review:  Vanetta Chapman's "The Christmas Quilt" is also part of the Quilts of Love series and this is an emotional read that will draw you completely into the story and the characters' lives.  Annie and Leah are friends and sisters-in-law.  Annie is attempting to make a quilt for Leah as she is soon to deliver; however things do not go as they thought and Leah is hospitalized.  Annie with her nursing background goes to the hospital and there she and Leah spend hours together working on the quilt and also sharing their hearts.  Although life is not going according to Leah or Annie's plan, it is going according to God's plan and this Christmas season with be a time of healing and love with the help of the Christmas quilt. I really enjoyed this book!  Many issues are addressed and the characters are so real that it is so easy to become engrossed in their lives and empathize with them.  I love the significance of the quilt and the stories behind the squares and the healing that this piece of work and love provides.  This is an excellent addition to the series! To read other reviews on this book, go here! *Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on these blog tours and for the complimentary copies of these books!*

Book Review - "A Confident Heart Devotional"

Renee Swope's "A Confident Heart Devotional: 60 Days to Stop Doubting Yourself" is a must-read for every woman as it has a message that each one needs to be reminded of and can be life-changing. 
This devotional book is filled with 60 chapters, 60 devotionals that are short, sweet, and so very encouraging.  Renee's style of writing is so easy to read and get into; it is as if you and her are sitting together chatting and sipping mugs of coffee.  Each chapter/devotional is only a couple of pages long so it is easy to make time each day to read a chapter.  A verse is shared at the beginning of a chapter, then Renee's reflections and  Biblical lessons are shared related to the topic of the chapter.  The chapter ends with a prayer and a "When I say - God says" statement. 
I enjoyed this devotional book so much and will reread it several times I am sure as it is so easy to doubt myself and need a little boost and reminder and Renee's book will do just that!

“Available November 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”